Rivers have burst their banks in Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot, sweeping away bridges, damaging homes and farms, and disrupting movement as more rain is forecast.
NAIROBI, Kenya – Families in parts of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties are counting losses after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods that destroyed homes, submerged farms and swept away bridges.
The downpour, which intensified on Wednesday and Thursday, caused rivers to overflow, leaving some communities cut off and commuters stranded as water levels rose across several areas.
In Elgeyo Marakwet County, the Soko Bora area became impassable on Thursday after the Embobut River burst its banks and flooded Sokobora Bridge.
Residents said the afternoon downpour disrupted movement along routes used by commuters travelling between Kapsowar and Eldoret, with some unable to proceed because of the rising water.
Authorities and residents warned people against approaching riverbanks or attempting to cross flooded sections as the strong currents posed a danger.
Similar heavy rainfall was reported in parts of Trans Nzoia County, where sections of Soko Mjinga shopping centre were flooded. Baragoi in Samburu County also experienced heavy rains.
West Pokot families count losses
West Pokot was among the areas reporting significant damage, with floodwaters destroying houses, washing away crops and disrupting access between communities.
A footbridge connecting Arol and Tandapos in Adurkoit was swept away on Wednesday night, cutting off a route used by residents to move between the two areas.
In other affected locations, rising waters damaged farms and fences, while some households reportedly lost livestock and agricultural produce.
Residents have appealed to the national and county governments to provide emergency assistance, restore damaged infrastructure and support families whose homes and livelihoods have been affected.
West Pokot County officials have started assessing the damage in parts of Kacheliba and Kapenguria constituencies to establish the extent of the destruction and identify households requiring assistance.
A team from the Department of Special Programmes, Humanitarian Coordination and Disaster Management, led by Chief Officer Daniel Lopale, visited affected areas on Thursday.
The assessment covered Riwo and Suam wards, where several households reportedly lost goats, sheep and farm produce following the heavy rainfall.
Floods disrupt KCSE examination logistics
The impact of the rains has extended to essential public services in West Pokot, with flooding also disrupting the transportation of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination materials.
In Pokot North, the Kanyang’areng River burst its banks at the Ngótut temporary bridge, cutting off the Konyao-Alale Road and disrupting the delivery of examination materials to three centres.
County Director of Education Clarice Mwita said vehicles transporting the materials were forced to turn back as officials sought alternative arrangements.
The examination papers were eventually airlifted by helicopter to Korpu Boys, Kangoletiang Girls and Kapchok Girls, according to the Kenya News Agency.
The disruption highlighted the challenges faced by communities that depend on river crossings and roads that become inaccessible during periods of heavy rainfall.
Kenya Met warns of continued rainfall
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that rainfall is expected across several parts of the country, including Nairobi, Western Kenya, the Rift Valley, Central Kenya and the Lake Victoria Basin.
In an advisory issued on Thursday, November 12, the department warned that some areas could receive more than 50 millimetres of rainfall within 24 hours, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms.
The advisory was valid until 9am on Friday, November 13, with residents urged to remain alert as the October-November-December rainy season continues.
Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to avoid crossing swollen rivers, flooded roads and bridges, and to keep away from riverbanks during heavy rainfall.
Motorists have also been urged to exercise caution and avoid attempting to drive through flooded sections of roads.
