Several families in Elgon View estate in Eldoret have been forced to flee their homes after River Sosiani burst its banks, causing widespread flooding and destruction.
Residents say the flooding began in the early hours of Monday morning, around 5 a.m., after three consecutive days of heavy rainfall in the region. Water rapidly swept into homes, leaving many with little time to salvage their belongings.
One of the affected residents, Haron Ngagaka, said families have suffered significant losses, with property worth millions of shillings destroyed in the sudden floods. He called on government authorities to step in and provide urgent assistance to those affected.
Local leaders have attributed the flooding to a combination of heavy rainfall and poor drainage systems. Evans Kapkea explained that excess water from surrounding rural areas flows into the river, overwhelming its capacity and causing it to overflow.
“We have a very big challenge with drainage, especially with floodwaters from rural areas flowing into Sosiani,” Kapkea said, highlighting the need for long-term infrastructure improvements.
Authorities have urged residents living in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures as heavy rains continue. The incident adds to growing concerns over recurring floods in parts of the country, with calls for better drainage systems and disaster preparedness to prevent future displacement and losses.
