Many more people are said to be missing while hundreds of homes and other buildings have been destroyed.

Heavy rain leading to the floods, which started in late December, have now eased but many towns and villages remain underwater.

In the Turkana region of the country more than 10,000 people are camping along in an area called the Loriu ranges.

A spokesman for the Kenya Red Cross Society said thousands of people needed rehousing, food and there were fears over potential diarrhoea and cholera outbreaks.

He said: “Our assessment indicates the need for evacuation and resettlement of people with provision of tents to 3,157 households.

“There is need for more drugs to combat diarrhoea and cholera-related cases in the camps.

“Farmers have appealed for help to protect or relocate a generator house as it is in danger of being washed away by floods, should the rains persist.”

Luke Walsh

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