Kisumu County Faces Severe Flooding, Over 600 Families Affected

Kisumu, Kenya – Kisumu County is grappling with a severe flood situation as River Nyando has overflowed, submerging homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The flooding has affected several sub-counties including Nyando, Kadibo, Muhoroni, and Nyakach, leaving residents and traders facing significant losses.

According to Kenya News Agency, the flooding has been exacerbated by a backflow from Lake Victoria and continuous heavy rainfall in the nearby higher elevations of Nandi County. Over 600 families in the Nyando Sub County have been trapped in their homes or businesses, prompting a multi-agency response involving National Government Administrative Officers, the Coast Guard, Kenya Red Cross Society, St. Johns, and the County Emergency Disaster Management Unit to evacuate those affected.

The floods have also impacted transportation, with initial disruptions at Nyando Bridge in Ahero market, though vehicle movement has now resumed. Agricultural sectors report significant damage as well, with around 600 acres of maize and bean crops washed away in Kibigori Sub location, Chemelil. The healthcare infrastructure has not been spared; Bunde Dispensary and Ahero Sub-County Hospital are among the healthcare facilities that have suffered due to the floods.

Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o confirmed the county’s efforts to address the crisis, highlighting the multi-agency team’s role in rescue operations. A command center has been established at Ahero Sub-County Hospital to coordinate these efforts, and the Kenya Defense Forces are providing aerial rescue support.

The educational sector has seen numerous schools including St. Anne’s Primary, Ahero Girls Secondary, and others experience flooding, although the Nyando Deputy County Commissioner Elijah Maranga noted that public utilities like schools and hospitals have sustained minimal damage overall. However, Ahero Police Station has been severely affected, with water reaching waist-high in officers’ residences, and the office of the Nyando Assistant County Commissioner has been partially submerged.