Nairobi: The national government has released Sh29 million to help families affected by fresh floods in Trans Nzoia County. Speaking on Tuesday after visiting flood victims in Namanjalala, where 3,490 families have been displaced, Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa urged public cooperation and assured that the government is committed to finding a lasting solution to the floods.
According to Kenya News Agency, the government has announced the formation of a multi-agency committee that includes members from affected communities, humanitarian organizations, and both national and county governments. This committee is tasked with assessing the extent of damage caused and determining the exact number of families affected. The Cabinet Secretary also emphasized the need for the committee to develop long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of future floods.
Dr. Barasa stated, “We are working together as government ministries to ensure our people get the essential services needed. Our collaboration will ensure that our children continue to access education, drugs, mosquito nets, and vaccination against malaria is done to avert any health crisis.” She also promised that dykes damaged by the floods would be repaired.
Flooding in Namanjalala is a frequent occurrence during heavy rains, as the River Sabwani often overflows, causing destruction and occasional loss of life. The most vulnerable groups during these floods are women, children, the elderly, and widows.
Since 2017, more than Sh55 million has been invested by the government in flood mitigation efforts, resulting in the construction of several dykes. These efforts have allowed families to reclaim land for agriculture, boosting food production. However, silting has been identified as a major factor contributing to the recent floods, which have submerged several houses, displaced 3,490 families, and affected over 20,000 people.
Affected families have appealed to the government to construct additional dykes and reclaim land designated for dam construction, which has allegedly been appropriated by individuals. During her visit, Dr. Barasa was accompanied by Kiminini Legislator Kakai Bisau, Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lillian Siyoi, and County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi. The Cabinet Secretary distributed emergency supplies, including food, shelter, mattresses, and blankets to the affected families.
