Transport between Kiambu, Machakos paralysed as River Athi burst its banks

The effects of the ongoing heavy rains have forced a section of the traders to shut down their businesses, while people who would have wished to travel to Thika town and villages within Machakos county have been forced to cancel their plans.

The Athi River flows across the Kapote and Athi plains, through Athi River town, taking a northeast direction where it meets the Nairobi River.

Near Thika, the river forms the Fourteen Falls and turns south-south-east under the wooded slopes of the Yatta ridge, which shuts in its basin on the east.

Residents led by Stephen Kamau and Nicholas Mutua a driver who has been using the route said that despite years of calling for a solution to the occurrence, nothing has been done to ensure they continue with their business during rainy seasons.

"It' is not good that every time it rains heavily upstream this bridge is overrun and our businesses are affected, the government should construct a higher bridge to avoid this scenario," Kamau said.

A screengrab of Kenya Red Cross staff rescuing families that had been left stranded in Joska, Matungulu Sub County in Machakos after River Athi burst its banks.

Elsewhere at Ngorongo village in Gatundu North, Kiambu County a family is counting losses after storm water flooded their house.

The family of Jane Wanjiru, a widow, was forced to sleep in a neighbour's house while some of her children sought refuge at Kanjeri Police Station following the floods on Saturday night.

In Ruiru, Watalaam estate, locals resorted to unclog drainage to allow the free flow of water.

"Many of these issues cannot simply be blamed on natural occurrences; some are a result of our actions. Irresponsible behaviour and mismanagement of our environment play a significant role," said Nancy Kariuki.

The residents unclogged the drainage days after EAC, ASALs, and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza warned Kenyans living in flood-prone areas to desist from acting in a manner that risks their lives.

Malonza said that most deaths and destruction witnessed during the heavy rains are a result of irresponsible behaviour among a section of Kenyans.