More than 3,490 families have been affected by a wave of fresh floods in Trans Nzoia County. This follows heavy rains experienced in the region, forcing River Sabwani to swell beyond measure breaking its banks at Namanjalala.

Confirming the numbers after visiting the flood victims on Sunday, Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi told affected families and those that are at risk to move to safer places before more havoc strikes.

“Namanjalala has all along been a hotspot for floods and as we have seen, a good number of families living along River Sabwani have been severely affected. Their homes have been submerged and even some swept away leaving many without shelter.

This is a time we need unity more than ever. Let us work with the government and all our leaders to ensure we navigate this crisis,” he said.

Assuring the government is on top of things to avert any looming health crisis and ensure no life is lost, Oyagi urged leaders from the region to set aside political differences and instead join hands to help affected families.

He added the government will work around the clock to ensure those affected have food, safe drinking water and shelter but warned those out to take advantage of the crisis for their selfish benefits.

“Please allow humanitarian intervention – be it food, cash, water or whatever kind reach the intended beneficiaries. Those who wait for such opportunities to divert the aid or sell, will not be spared,” he warned.

To ensure a seamless national examination exercise for the candidates who may be affected by the floods, Oyagi promised the government has put in place measures to ensure each and every candidate is not left out.

Present was Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi who echoed Oyagi’s words by spreading a message of unity in crisis as she called for a lasting solution to the River Sabwani floods.

“Year in, year out our people are faced with the burden of floods whenever we have heavy rains. It is time we work with relevant government agencies to unlock a lasting solution.

It is our collective mission to ensure those affected by the current wave of floods have something to eat, drink, shelter and a reason to hope again,” she said.

The call comes as reports indicate the perennial Sabwani floods may be as a result of individuals who may have grabbed land that had been set aside for dams meant to arrest water during heavy rains.

Hailing Kenya Red Cross for showing up and standing with the affected families, Siyoi pointed out the growing risk of the floods to young girls who find themselves in the danger of being taken advantage of.

“There are increased cases of pregnancy among our underage girls, a scenario which may worsen during this period of floods. Let us remain vigilant, caring, and protective of our children and families for the sake of a better tomorrow.

Together, let’s guide them, support them and create a community for our children where hope and opportunity thrive over despair,” she rallied.

During the visit, Siyoi together with the County Commissioner issued 300 bags of rice and 260 bags of beans to the flood victims.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Isaiah Nayika