Heavy rains are wreaking havoc across Western and Nyanza regions of Kenya, leading to displacement and destruction. In Rachuonyo West sub-county, Homa Bay County, at least 70 households have been displaced after a house was destroyed by floods on March 16, 2025. The displaced families are currently seeking shelter at Kandiege Primary School in Homa Bay.

Victims of the floods are appealing for humanitarian aid. Boniface Nyakiti, a flood victim, expressed the dire situation, stating, “We are appealing to government agencies and well-wishers to rescue us from the adversity of the floods.” Esther Odok, another victim, lamented the impact on the upcoming planting season, noting that even the seeds purchased for planting have been swept away by the floods.

In Migori County, the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) are proactively sensitizing residents in the flood-prone Nyatike North area to avert potential disasters. David Oula, Chief of Mikayi location, stated, “We have not yet received any heavy rains amounting to floods despite this area being prone to floods, but we are not leaving anything to chance, as we are sensitising our people to be ready and move to higher, safer places in case the heavy rains start pounding, but so far we have no problems with floods.”

The Kenya Meteorological Department had issued an advisory last week, forecasting rains in Nairobi and various parts of the country, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, and the Southeastern lowlands. Director David Gikungu indicated that the rainfall is projected to intensify to more than 30 millimeters.

Authorities and the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) have developed a contingency plan for preparedness. Western Regional Commissioner Irungu Macharia said that the preparedness and response committee is collaborating with the KRCS, relevant ministries, and county governments to manage any anticipated floods. “We are ready for heavy rains that come with floods. We are closely working with county governments, the Kenya Red Cross and relevant ministries by creating awareness and coming up with strategies to mitigate the anticipated floods,” said Macharia.

Special attention is being given to flood-prone areas like Budalangi in Busia, where residents are being educated on the potential impacts of heavy rains. Food and household items have been secured for families should the rains cause significant disruption. Sensitization and awareness campaigns are ongoing in these vulnerable areas, and higher, safer locations have been identified to provide refuge if needed.

Macharia added, “Our team is also in Vihiga County, that is prone to mudslides, and it is talking to people about the mitigation practices. We have another team in Teso, which is prone to overflowing rivers, but also, importantly, we don’t want to cause panic among people by telling them to vacate their homes when they are not yet affected, but we are vigilant.”

The counties likely to be affected by heavy rains include Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Marsabit, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, and Kajiado.