This archive report was first published on 23 November 2019.
Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in Bomet County, displacing at least 40 families.
According to reports, 30 residential houses, 8 business premises, and 4 pit latrines have been submerged in floodwater.
Strong winds in Kapkwen trading centre in Chepalungu sub-county on Friday blew off several house roofs.
The Bomet County government has dispatched a grader and an excavator to unblock drainages and prevent a possible outbreak of waterborne diseases.
County Executive Dr. Joseph Sitonik emphasized the importance of opening up drainages to avoid waterborne diseases, citing stagnant water as a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Nyangores MCA Andrew Maritim appealed to well-wishers, including the Kenya Red Cross and other humanitarian agencies, to provide aid to the affected families.
"The families require support, there is fear that further damages to property could be experienced owing to the rains pounding the area," said Mr. Maritim.
Mr. Maritim attributed the poor drainage and lack of culverts on the Silibwet-Kapkwen, Bomet-Kapkwen-Kaplong roads as exacerbating the situation.
Residents, including Ms. Irene Chebet, have been forced to relocate their children to safer grounds due to the flooding.
On Thursday night, property worth millions of shillings were destroyed after several homes around Itembe airstrip were submerged in water.
"Apart from loss of property, there is fear of an outbreak of waterborne diseases," said Stanley Cheruiyot, a businessman.
Itembe Location Chief Stanley Ngetich reported that Kenya Power Company had to switch off a transformer in the area due to sparks emitted during the heavy rains.
