Kitui County Deputy Governor H.E. Wambua Kanani on Friday flagged off the “Power of Humanity Walk” organized by the Kenya Red Cross Society, Kitui Branch, as part of efforts to promote crisis response and safety awareness among residents.
Representing Governor Julius Malombe, the Deputy Governor commended the humanitarian organization for its continued commitment to saving lives and supporting vulnerable communities across the county and beyond.
Speaking during the event, H.E. Kanani said this year’s theme, “Serving Humanity Through Crisis and Safety Awareness,” was timely given the increasing number of emergencies and disasters affecting communities across the country.
He noted that the world continues to face numerous challenges, including droughts, floods, fire outbreaks, road accidents, disease outbreaks, and other hazards that threaten lives and livelihoods, making preparedness more important than ever.
The Deputy Governor emphasized the need for greater public awareness on safety measures, disaster prevention, and collective action, saying communities must work together to reduce risks and respond effectively during emergencies.
He praised the Kenya Red Cross Society for its critical role in emergency response, disaster preparedness, first aid training, and humanitarian assistance, noting that the organization has saved countless lives over the years.
Kanani also expressed concern over the rising number of drowning incidents reported during rainy seasons, urging residents to remain vigilant, especially near rivers, dams, and other water bodies.
“During the last March–May rainy season, we lost more than eight people. This is not a small number,” he said, calling on families and community leaders to strengthen safety awareness and take preventive measures.
The Deputy Governor further highlighted the growing number of road accidents in the county, attributing some of the cases to speeding by motorists as road infrastructure continues to improve. He urged drivers to observe traffic regulations and prioritize road safety.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Kitui County Government to strengthening disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness initiatives while fostering partnerships with organizations such as the Kenya Red Cross Society to build resilient communities capable of preventing, responding to, and recovering from disasters.
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