{
  "id": 9817791,
  "title": "Sondu residents urged to clear drainage as heavy rains approach",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/sondu-residents-urged-to-clear-drainage-as-heavy-rains-approach",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-25T19:29:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/news/sondu-residents-urged-to-clear-drainage-as-heavy-rains-approach"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Residents in flood-prone areas of Sondu, located in Nyakach Constituency within Kisumu, have been urged by authorities to clear drainage systems and waterways as preparations for the October–December rainy season intensify. During a meeting on Friday, September 25, 2026, Nyakach Deputy County Commissioner Philip Muoki informed the public that government agencies were working on minimizing the impact of potential flooding through strengthening early-warning systems and educating residents on disaster preparedness. Muoki cautioned against reckless disposal of waste, stating that blocked drainage channels and rivers could exacerbate flooding during heavy rains. He emphasized the importance of a multi-agency committee assessing the effects of the rains and conducting awareness campaigns in villages to encourage residents to clear blocked waterways. Muoki advised those living in high-risk areas to relocate to safer ground if necessary, noting that an early-warning mechanism had been set up to alert inhabitants in low-lying zones when heavy rainfall is detected upstream, particularly in mountainous regions. He also mentioned the mobilization of food supplies to aid families who may need to be evacuated due to flooding. The Sondu clean-up exercise, organized by the Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya (FPFK) via its Resilience Livelihood Programme, involved residents, traders, and administrators from Nyakach Sub-County in Kisumu County and Sigowet in Kericho County. FPFK Social Ministry Head of Programmes Pastor Joshua Kelele encouraged residents to heed weather advisories issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department and prepare for potential flooding and disruption of livelihoods. Kelele highlighted the exercise's aim to promote peaceful coexistence among communities living along the Kisumu-Kericho border, stating that Sondu is a town where all tribes reside. FPFK's resilience programme includes an early-warning system designed to alert communities about impending disasters, and the church has been sensitizing its congregation on environmental conservation and disaster preparedness through Sunday services. FPFK and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) are prepared to support communities should the anticipated rains cause significant disruption, particularly as the country prepares for the rainy season and the 2027 General Election.",
  "summary": "Residents living in flood-prone areas of Sondu within Nyakach Constituency in Kisumu have been urged to clear drainage systems and waterways as authorities intensify preparations for the October–December rainy season. Speaking on Friday, September 25,2026 during the meeting, Nyakach Deputy County Commissioner Philip Muoki said government agencies were coordinating measures to minimise the impact…",
  "key_points": [
    "Residents urged to clear drainage systems as heavy rains approach.",
    "Government agencies strengthening early-warning systems and disaster preparedness.",
    "FPFK organized Sondu clean-up exercise to promote peaceful coexistence."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}