State steps up Nyando flood preparations as heavy rains loom

NAIROBI, Kenya — As heavy rains approach, the government has intensified efforts to safeguard communities residing along the Nyando River Basin from potential flooding, which poses threats to homes, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Principal Secretary for East African Community Affairs and Acting Principal Secretary for ASALs and Regional Development, Dr Caroline Karugu, outlined the government's bolstered flood preparedness and response mechanisms, encompassing repairs to dykes and other flood-control measures.

During a visit to the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) in Kisumu, Karugu examined the rice mill and poultry segment as part of her assessment of initiatives supporting local economies.

Karugu emphasized the government's concern for the low-lying regions of the Nyando Basin, which have historically endured severe flooding during heavy downpours. "We are focused on protecting the people of the Nyando River Basin, as we are aware that when the rains arrive, certain communities bear the brunt," she stated. The existing flood mitigation strategies, including dyke interventions, will be reinforced while authorities pinpoint vulnerabilities and enhance flood-control infrastructure.

Karugu stressed the importance of proactive preparation, collaboration with communities, and implementation of necessary safeguards before disasters strike.

In addition to strengthening flood preparedness, the government plans to enhance early warning systems, evacuation protocols, and emergency response capabilities to ensure timely information and assistance reach those at risk. These measures aim to shield homes, farms, roads, and other infrastructure while mitigating losses among communities predominantly reliant on agriculture.

Karugu highlighted the necessity of collaboration between national and county governments, local populations, and relevant agencies, stressing that longer-term resilience-building is crucial to help communities withstand and swiftly recover from future flooding challenges.

Karugu also toured the LBDA rice mill, underscoring the significance of enhanced processing and value addition for farmers to maximize earnings from their crops and bolster food security. She subsequently visited the poultry section, underscoring poultry farming as a means to uplift household incomes and food security, particularly for women and young individuals.

"Poultry presents another opportunity for empowering our people, especially women and youth, as it generates income and improves household food security," she remarked. The government has previously executed dyke and flood-control projects along the Nyando, where recurring flooding has impacted settlements and agricultural lands.