Flooding in the Nyando Sub County area of Kisumu County has been a persistent issue, causing displacement, loss of property, and disruptions to daily life for many residents. The National Government, in collaboration with the County Government, is now taking steps to address this challenge head-on. Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo recently disclosed that both levels of government are working on instituting a long-lasting solution to end the perennial flooding that plagues the Nyando region during the rainy seasons.
The frequent flooding in Nyando has been attributed to a variety of factors, including the siltation of River Nyando and the collapse of dykes intended to contain the water. “Many people have been displaced by the Nyando floods, and that’s why we are here to explore mechanisms for instituting a lasting solution to this flooding menace,” said PS Omollo. He highlighted that the National and County Governments have recognized the urgency of the issue and are collaborating closely to implement effective strategies.
One of the primary methods being employed is the desilting of River Nyando. The river, which has been heavily silted with sand and sediment, is no longer able to effectively channel water away from residential areas and farmland. “The river is filled with sand and sediment, making it difficult for water to flow freely,” stated Omollo. “Desilting is crucial to restoring the river’s natural flow and preventing overflow during heavy rainfall.”
In addition to desilting, there is a focus on building and renovating dykes along the riverbanks to contain water and prevent it from spilling into residential areas. “Some of the dykes we have constructed in the past have collapsed due to inadequate maintenance,” Omollo noted. “We need to rehabilitate these dykes to withstand the heavy rainfall and protect the community from flooding.”
The government’s approach is not limited to physical infrastructure alone. PS Omollo emphasized the importance of community participation in the solution to flooding. “We are challenging the residents to embrace tree planting,” he said. “Planting trees can significantly help in controlling flooding by stabilizing the soil and reducing the rate of runoff during rains.” The government plans to engage local communities in tree-planting exercises as a means of combating soil erosion and enhancing flood resilience.
The collaboration between the National and County Governments is aimed at integrating both immediate and long-term solutions to tackle the flooding issue. “We understand that flooding in Nyando is not just about one rainy season,” Omollo said. “It’s a recurrent problem that requires sustained efforts and collaboration between the different levels of government, as well as the community.”
PS Omollo noted that the government has allocated funds for the desilting project and the renovation of dykes, emphasizing that this is a priority for the administration. “We are committed to ensuring that the people of Nyando do not have to live with the constant fear of flooding every rainy season,” he said. “This project will involve proper planning, and we will be working closely with the community to ensure that it is successful.”
The Ministry of Interior and Coordination is also set to monitor the implementation of these projects closely, ensuring that there is accountability and transparency in how funds are utilized. The PS reiterated that the government’s goal is to provide a sustainable solution to end the flooding menace. “We are here to ensure that the residents of Nyando can live their lives without the constant threat of floods,” he said.
As the implementation of these measures gets underway, the government is encouraging the public to stay informed and engaged in the process. PS Omollo encouraged residents to report any signs of ineffective dykes or river siltation to the authorities to facilitate prompt action. “We need everyone’s cooperation to make this solution successful,” he said.
In conclusion, the government’s commitment to ending the flooding in Nyando through desilting, dyke rehabilitation, and community engagement is a significant step towards mitigating the impact of floods on the community. By addressing the root causes of the problem and integrating community-led solutions, Nyando can look forward to a future with less frequent and less severe flooding, ensuring that residents can live with stability and security throughout the year.
