Kenya’s President William Ruto is expected to address the nation amid mounting pressure to declare the ongoing heavy floods a national disaster.
State House spokesman Hussein Mohamed, who made the announcement, did not give details about the address set for Friday.
But President Ruto is highly expected to speak about the ongoing heavy rains that have killed at least 188 people since March and displaced hundreds of thousands.
The address comes a day after the cabinet warned that the coastal region was likely to be hit by a cyclone, accompanied by heavy rainfall, large waves and strong winds that could affect activities in the Indian Ocean.
The cabinet, which met for the second time this week, also said that average to above-average rains would continue being experienced across the country.
The government has ordered people living near 178 dams and reservoirs to evacuate immediately or be forced to move to safer grounds.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has appealed to the president to declare the floods a national disaster to pave the way for international support.
Neighbouring Tanzania, where at least 155 people have been killed in flooding and landslides, is also expected to feel the force of Cyclone Hidaya.
