Naivasha, Kenya – Over 4,000 families have been displaced by the rising waters of Lake Naivasha, with local leaders urging the government to declare the crisis a national disaster as the situation continues to worsen. The increasing water levels, which began rising earlier this year, have flooded homes, schools, churches, latrines, and even a police post in the affected areas. With more rain expected, the number of displaced individuals is feared to rise.
The Situation on the Ground
According to Joyce Cece, a Disaster Management Officer in Naivasha, the flooding has severely affected the local population, particularly in estates home to flower farm workers. “The families are living in deplorable conditions, with no support from the national or county governments,” she said.
One of the victims, Mathew Halili, expressed frustration at the lack of government response, highlighting that families are not only displaced but also struggling to survive without access to food. “We are living in flooded houses, with no help, and are ready to take to the streets if our situation isn’t addressed,” he said.
Government Response and Challenges
In response to the growing crisis, the Nakuru County government has stepped in to provide transport for vulnerable families to relocate to safer estates. However, many are unable to afford new accommodation due to rent hikes by landlords taking advantage of the crisis.
Eunice Mureithi, a local leader, stressed that some families legally purchased land and possess title deeds, but allegations of living on riparian land have complicated the issue. She called on the county government to take urgent action to prevent disease outbreaks, as the flooded latrines pose serious health risks.
Peter Mbae, the former Head of Government Delivery Service, also visited the affected areas and criticized both the national and county governments for their inaction. “We are giving the government 48 hours to intervene, or we will be forced to take to the streets,” he warned.
Urgency of the Situation
With schools closed and children returning to homes already flooded, local leaders are calling for immediate relocation assistance. Joyce Ncece, the Chief Officer for Disaster Management, confirmed that a multi-sectoral team has been formed to support the displaced families, but the situation continues to deteriorate.
As the floodwaters rise and communities continue to suffer, there are growing concerns that more families will be displaced, and the humanitarian crisis will worsen without swift and effective intervention.
