This archive report was first published on 7 December 2019.
Published on December 7, 2019, a devastating flood swept through three villages in Marigat, Baringo, displacing over 100 families and causing widespread destruction.
The flood, which occurred despite the construction of dykes to control floods at a cost of Sh11 million four months ago, was triggered by heavy rains in the area.
According to residents, the dykes erected on the banks of Perkerra River failed to contain the pressure of the storm water, resulting in the displacement of families and significant damage to property and crops.
Simon Nkoroto, a resident of Sintaan village, lost all his property, including crops and farm produce, in the floodwaters.
"I have lost all my property, all my crops and farm produce have been swept away," said Nkoroto.
Levis Kikenyi, another resident, expressed frustration with the government's efforts to contain the floods, stating that the two floodgates constructed had not assisted in containing the floods.
Washington Kauraki, a resident of the affected area, criticized the gabions constructed to prevent flooding, saying they were not up to standard and were being swept away.
National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority Chief Executive Officer Sammy Mburu acknowledged that the authority needed more funds to carry out more works to prevent future flooding.
"We need to do more, we had an issue with the budget," said Mburu.
Baringo Governor Stanley Kiptis mobilized funds to assist those affected by the floods, while County Commissioner Henry Wafula advised residents to avoid areas close to River Perkerra.
