- NMK hosts a snake park, which started in January 1961 as a popular attraction site for visitors and as a research centre on reptiles and the breeding of snakes.
- It also serves as a home for rescued and threatened reptiles.
National Museums of Kenya has dismissed reports that some of its snakes might have been swept away by the raging waters.
On Thursday evening, reports circulated online, claiming that some of the snakes had been swept away.
The reports, which also claimed that some crocodiles had been swept away, urged the public to be cautious.
The NMK, however, says its exhibit is secure.
“This is to inform the public that at the National Museums of Kenya, the safety and security of all our exhibits are paramount,” the agency said in a statement on Friday.
Each exhibit, it said, is securely housed in its appropriate enclosure, guaranteeing their wellbeing and preservation.
“We welcome you to explore our rich heritage with confidence at the National Museums of Kenya.”
NMK hosts a snake park, which started in January 1961 as a popular attraction site for visitors and as a research centre on reptiles and the breeding of snakes.
It also serves as a home for rescued and threatened reptiles.
The park has been attracting a number of researchers who have donated a diversity of specimens, both locally and internally.
“Among the donations was the American alligator in 1967, which is currently the centre for attraction. Among the animals exhibited are venomous and non-venomous snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, turtles, and lizards, among many.”
NMK says the exhibitions are used to create awareness about threatened and endangered species, provide recreation purposes and provide a home for rescued, feared, injured and unwanted reptiles from society.
They also serve as a research and training hub on reptiles.
The park has an aquarium section that exhibits both marine and freshwater fish.
The beautiful fresh water fish exhibited are from lakes, dams and rivers within Kenya.
The marine section displays fish, live corals and other invertebrates from the Indian Ocean.
The ongoing rains have disrupted lives and destroyed property worth billions.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration says the death toll from the floods has reached 210.
The number rose to 210 after an additional 22 deaths were reported.
In the Friday morning update, the ministry said a cumulative 125 people have been reported injured.
The number of missing people currently stands at 90, with 33,100 households displaced, affecting around 165,500 people.
Schools affected by stand at 1,967.
The ministry said that at least 115 camps, hosting more than 27,586 people, have been set up across 19 counties.
The number of people affected is around 196,296.