This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
Heavy rains have been pounding Kenya for weeks, causing widespread destruction and leaving hundreds of families homeless.
According to reports, a man drowned in the flooded Kipkaren River in Nandi County, while several families were left homeless in the area.
In Nyeri County, a dam burst its banks, causing misery for residents of Mikumbune Kamangura village.
Residents attributed the destruction to the poor construction of the dam, which was meant to boost agricultural production in the area.
‘The dam now poses additional danger to children after its fence was brought down by floods,’ said Morris Kinoti.
Meanwhile, residents of Ngando village in Kirinyaga County lost dozens of acres of crops to the floods.
‘We are calling on the government to give us relief food,’ said David Kiberenge, whose six-acre maize farm was ruined.
‘Our crops, homesteads, and key roads connecting this village are flooded with water, and we have been left hapless. The government should intervene and help us,’ said Muthami.
Several roads have been cut off by mudslides in Tindiret sub-county in Nandi County, while roads in West Pokot County have become impassable.
‘Our crops are likely to rot on the farm as we cannot access markets due to the pathetic state of the roads,’ said Rachael Chematia from Chesongoch, Elgeyo-Marakwet.
At least 450 households have been displaced in western Kenya, with 20 families' houses destroyed in Homa Bay County and 250 people affected in Siaya County.
‘By Monday morning, the water levels had increased, displacing many families. The county government officials came and promised to provide food stuff,’ said Kakola-Ombaka chief Jacob Ongudi.
