More than 9,000 people were rendered homeless on Wednesday after the River Sabwani burst its banks, forcing mass evacuations in Trans-Nzoia County.
According to a statement by Trans-Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya on Wednesday, November 5, the County Flood Response Team successfully evacuated nine families, including two newborn babies, from the Tembelela area along River Sabwani in Kwanza Sub-County.
The rescued families have been transported for medical examination before being officially placed at the emergency rescue camp established at Chief Mutende Primary School.
The flooding has left over 9,000 residents affected after the river overflowed its banks, displacing communities and destroying property.
The disaster in Trans-Nzoia comes as Kenya grapples with multiple weather-related emergencies across the country, with several counties experiencing devastating floods and landslides due to heavy rainfall.
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In Elgeyo Marakwet County, rescue and recovery operations entered their fourth day on Tuesday, November 4, following a catastrophic landslide that struck Machember village. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirmed that 34 bodies had been retrieved from the debris, with 17 people still missing.
"As of today, 34 bodies have been retrieved, four persons have been discharged, 13 are still recuperating at MTRH, while 17 persons remain missing. Search and recovery operations are ongoing with the support of security agencies and residents," Mwaura stated.
The multi-agency operation involves security officers working alongside residents to locate those still unaccounted for.
The situation worsened on Monday, November 3, when another landslide struck the Kibendo area in Keiyo North, claiming two more lives. Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich reported that a massive boulder crashed into a house, killing the two occupants instantly.
"The county Disaster response team, health team, area chief, and residents managed to respond and rushed the injured to Iten County referral Hospital. Sadly, we lost two after a huge rockfall crashed into the house they were in," Governor Rotich said.
The injured survivors, who sustained soft tissue injuries, were treated at Iten County Referral Hospital and later discharged. Governor Rotich issued an urgent appeal to residents living in vulnerable areas along the escarpment to relocate to higher ground immediately.
The government has mobilized a comprehensive response to address the crisis. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that authorities would cover all hospital bills and funeral expenses for landslide victims, while also committing to help families rebuild their lives.
Trucks carrying essential food and non-food items have been dispatched to displaced families, marking significant progress in restoration efforts.
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