KISUMU, Kenya — At least 381 households have been affected in parts of Kisumu County after the Sondu-Miriu River burst its banks following heavy rains.
In a statement on Saturday, March 7, the Kenya Red Cross said the flooding occurred in Wang’chieng Ward, affecting residents in Kobala and Kobuya locations.
“Beyond Nairobi, flooding has also been reported in Wang’chieng Ward, Kisumu County, after Sondu-Miriu River burst its banks, affecting Kobala and Kobuya locations,” the agency said.
Homes and farms are submerged
According to the humanitarian agency, the floods have caused widespread damage to homes and farmland in the affected areas.
“Approximately 381 households have been affected, with homesteads and farms flooded and about 56 hectares of farmland destroyed,” the statement added.
Response teams have already been deployed to the area to warn residents and help manage the situation.
“Kenya Red Cross volunteers and Community-Based Disaster Response teams have been on the ground issuing early warnings to residents,” the agency said.
Flood deaths reported in Nairobi
The heavy rains have also caused severe flooding in Nairobi, where at least 10 people died after flash floods hit the city on Friday night.
According to George Seda, the Nairobi Police Commander, eight victims were swept away by floodwaters, with some reportedly inside vehicles that were carried off flooded roads.
Two additional deaths were reported in separate electrocution incidents, bringing the total fatalities to ten.
The floods also left at least 71 vehicles stranded across the city after several major roads became impassable.
Calls for drainage review
Edwin Sifuna, the Senator for Nairobi County, said the flooding reflects deeper systemic challenges in the city’s drainage system.
“Sadly, the County disaster team has confirmed to me that multiple lives were also lost. My office has sent out teams to assess the situation and see how we can help,” Sifuna said.
He urged city leaders to undertake a comprehensive review of Nairobi’s drainage infrastructure, noting that piecemeal interventions have failed to address persistent flooding.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones last night,” he said, adding that leaders must take collective responsibility for the situation.
