NAIVASHA, Kenya — The number of families displaced by the swelling waters of Lake Naivasha has surged to more than 4,000, with fears that the figure could climb even higher as heavy rains persist across Nakuru County.
According to Naivasha Disaster Management Officer Joyce Cece, the lake’s water levels have risen sharply over the past three months, flooding homes, schools, churches, and even a police post.
She said a multi-agency response team has been formed to assist affected residents, many of whom have been forced to relocate to nearby estates.
“Over 4,000 families have so far been affected, and we are offering them transport to relocate to safer areas. The situation is worsening by the day,” Cece said.
Local leaders are now calling on the national government to declare the flooding a national disaster, warning that the situation has escalated into a full-blown humanitarian crisis.
Former Head of the Government Delivery Service Peter Mbae accused both the national and county governments of neglecting the victims.
“We are giving the authorities a 48-hour notice to intervene, failure to which we shall take to the streets,” Mbae warned during a visit to the affected area.
Mbae also noted that a parliamentary committee on land had previously recommended compensation for legal landowners, some of whom still hold valid title deeds despite claims that they occupy riparian land.
Local leader Eunice Mureithi expressed fears of an outbreak of waterborne diseases as latrines have been submerged, adding that children have been forced out of school and back into flooded homes.
“Families are suffering. The county government must act urgently to support those affected,” she said.
Meanwhile, victims continue to lament neglect and economic hardship.
Mathew Halili, one of the displaced residents, said many families have been left stranded and hungry.
“We feel abandoned. Some of us are sleeping in flooded houses, and even hippos are straying into our homes,” he said.
Another victim, Beth Wamaitha, a flower farm worker, said most families cannot afford to move elsewhere as landlords in safer estates have increased rent.
“We’re stuck. We don’t have money to relocate, and our leaders have forgotten us,” she said.
The floods have reignited debate over land ownership around Lake Naivasha, with environmental experts warning that unchecked human settlement near riparian zones continues to expose residents to recurring displacement whenever lake levels rise.
