This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
As heavy rains continue to ravage Nyando Sub-County in Kisumu, residents are counting their blessings for the timely support from the Luo Women Association in the United States.
Since the onset of heavy rains two months ago, River Nyando has been flooded, making roads impassable and causing widespread destruction of property worth millions of shillings.
According to reports, many homes have been swept away in the raging floods, forcing residents to seek refuge on higher grounds. The situation has been exacerbated by the lack of a permanent solution to the perennial problem of flooding in the area.
However, the County and National government is planning to build dykes as a permanent solution to this problem. Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o, in collaboration with the National government, is working on a 4-kilometer dyke along the river to mitigate the floods during heavy downpour.
Tragically, the floods have claimed the lives of several residents, including a 50-year-old man who was swept away by the raging waters in February this year. Two more people died while trying to cross the swollen river.
Despite the challenges, the Luo Women Association in the United States, in collaboration with the Anglican Church in Kisumu, has been providing vital support to the affected residents. The group has distributed foodstuff worth over Kshs. 300,000 to 11 different camps, providing breakfast to residents in Kowala and Lela camps.
The food packages included maize, beans, Dagaa (Omena), sweet potatoes, bread, milk, sugar, tea leaves, and salt. The LWITU officials involved in the relief efforts are Dr. Lorna Were, Hilda Juma, Meg Odanga, Lillian Onyango, Judith Magambo, Peres Jacoby, Alice Kiaye, Tish Obel, Liz Ombija, and Olga Ochola.
The Association is calling upon all Kenyans and well-wishers to join hands with them to feed the less privileged in society and during calamities like floods and landslides.
Those who wish to contribute to the relief efforts can contact Sister Peres Jacoby at +1 818-534-6454 for more information.
