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President William Ruto has condoled with the families who lost their loved ones in the Mai Mahiu landslide.
The President on Tuesday visited the area where the landslide occurred and assured the victims of government support.
Ruto recounted how he had promised to expand business to the residents around the ward.
"Poleni jameni, poleni sana, poleni tena sana. I remember last week I was here in your ward, here at ICD planning on how to expand business around here but now those who were panning the business for them are no more but those who have remained we shall continue with that work and move forward," he said.
While addressing the residents, the President said that the military would join other rescuers in the search for missing persons.
Ruto said that the National Youth Service has been on the ground to collaborate with the police in rescue efforts.
"They have done a big part but where it has reached it needs a joint effort," the President said.
"I have talked with the military to join the other rescuers today to help in the search for the missing persons."
The President said that so far over 170 people have lost their lives due to the ongoing heavy rains that have resulted in flooding.
He commended the Kenya Red Cross, World Health Organisation, Amref and other organisations for helping with the rescue mission.
Ruto said that after consultation with the Cabinet, they agreed on several interventions to help the flood victims.
"Loosing over 170 people is not a small thing and we must take action to make sure that Kenyans are safe," the President said.
Ruto promised to refund the victims of Mai Mahiu who lost their livelihoods.
He was accompanied by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika among other leaders.
The President also directed the people living in riparian areas to vacate.
"We will be asking those who are living in areas that pose the risk of mudslides and floods to move and we will help them because we want to save their lives," the President said.
"We have agreed that those who are living near rivers in what we call the riparian reserves should vacate stating tomorrow we will be issuing a notice."
