70 families displaced as rains wreak havoc in Homa Bay

A house that was destroyed by floods in Rachuonyo West sub-county, Homa Bay County, on March 16, 2025. [James Omoro, Standard].

At least 70 households have been displaced and farms destroyed as heavy rains pound Western and Nyanza regions.

The displaced families are camping at Kandiege Primary School in Homa Bay.

The floods have been attributed to water flow from Homa Hills. Boniface Nyakiti, a victim of the floods appealed for humanitarian aid saying their lives were in danger.

“We are appealing to government agencies and well-wishers to rescue us from the adversity of the floods,” Nyakiti said.

Esther Odok, a victim, lamented that the floods will affect the panting season.

“Even the seeds purchased for the starting planting season have been swept away,” said Odok.

In Migori County, National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) are sensitising locals in Nyatike North that is prone to floods, to avert disaster.

“We have not yet received any heavy rains amounting to floods despite this area being prone to floods, but we are not leaving anything to chance, as we are sensitising our people to be ready and move to higher, safer places in case the heavy rains start pounding, but so far we have no problems with floods,” said Chief of Mikayi location David Oula.

Last week in an advisory, the weatherman said that rains are expected in Nairobi and parts of the country, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley and the Southeastern lowlands.

 Kenya Meteorological Department Director David Gikungu, said that the rainfall is projected to to intensify to more than 30 millimetres.

On Sunday, authorities and the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) said they had drawn up a contingency plan preparedness.

Western Regional Commissioner Irungu Macharia said the preparedness and response committee is already working together with the KRCS, relevant ministries and county governments to ensure they contain any anticipated floods.

“We are ready for heavy rains that come with floods. We are closely working with county governments, the Kenya Red Cross and relevant ministries by creating awareness and coming up with strategies to mitigate the anticipated floods,” said Macharia.

He revealed that special focus will be on flood prone areas like Budalangi in Busia, where they are sensitising residents on any possible effects of heavy rains, with the committee having already secured food and household items for families if the rains cause havoc.

“We are on top of things, and this time around, we are much more prepared than last time. Sensitisation and creation of awareness are ongoing in flood prone areas like Budalangi, and we have secured higher and safer places where our people will get refuge in case the rains cause havoc,” said Macharia.

“Our team is also in Vihiga County, that is prone to mudslides, and it is talking to people about the mitigation practices. We have another team in Teso, which is prone to overflowing rivers, but also, importantly, we don’t want to cause panic among people by telling them to vacate their homes when they are not yet affected, but we are vigilant,” he added.

The areas likely to be affected by heavy rains are the counties of Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Marsabit, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, and Kajiado.

By Benard Lusigi, James Omoro and Anne Atieno