NAIVASHA, Kenya — More than 6,000 learners in Naivasha are at risk of missing school after rising waters from Lake Naivasha displaced hundreds of families and flooded homes, schools, and public facilities.
Residents and local leaders now fear the situation could worsen in the coming days as water levels continue to rise across affected settlements.
Kihoto estate, one of the hardest-hit areas and home to thousands of flower farm workers, has experienced severe flooding that has submerged homes, roads, pit latrines, and shallow wells.
The flooding has sparked fears of a possible outbreak of waterborne diseases.
During a visit to the affected area, Tabitha Karanja described the crisis as a humanitarian emergency that requires urgent government intervention.
Karanja said more than 6,000 learners had already been affected after schools in flooded areas became inaccessible or shut down completely.
“The floods have disrupted education for thousands of children and exposed families to major health risks,” she said.
Health Fears Rise
The Senator warned that overflowing sewage and contaminated water sources could trigger a health disaster if immediate action is not taken.
She called on the Ministry of Education and disaster response agencies to urgently intervene and support displaced families.
Karanja also urged the national government to speed up compensation and relocation plans for residents living in flood-prone zones around the lake.
According to the Senator, residents of the densely populated estate remain vulnerable due to poor drainage and inadequate sanitation infrastructure.
“Tens of businesses have shut down due to the immense flooding, tens of families lack funds to vacate, and the Nakuru County disaster funds have not been activated to help residents,” she said.
She further warned that rising water levels could soon reach the Kihoto power substation, potentially causing widespread electricity outages in Naivasha.
Families Struggling to Relocate
Residents say many affected families cannot afford to relocate despite worsening conditions.
Susan Odipo said children in the area had been left without access to education after the closure of the only affordable public school nearby.
Another resident, Grace Amyeloto, said many parents were struggling to provide food and shelter while also worrying about disease outbreaks.
“I am forced to rely on menial jobs to help my family, and I urgently need assistance to move to higher grounds,” she said.
Hariri Matthew criticised the national government for delaying the implementation of recommendations made by the parliamentary lands committee regarding compensation and relocation of affected residents.
He also questioned the use of Nakuru County’s disaster management funds, saying residents had not received meaningful support despite annual budget allocations exceeding Sh800 million.
Meanwhile, Lydia Nyambura said families living in flooded homes urgently needed financial assistance to relocate to safer areas.
“We currently lack the capacity to move despite the danger facing our children,” she said.
