More than 100 families in Ndabibi, Naivasha, were left stranded after flash floods swept through their homes, schools, and shopping centres on Monday night. The sudden deluge followed heavy downpours in the nearby Eburru Forest, unleashing torrents of water into low-lying villages.
Residents spent the night in the cold after their homes were submerged and roads rendered impassable. Former area MCA Gathariki Kamanu said the floods caught locals off guard and blamed the disaster on clogged and neglected drainage systems.
“Over 100 households have been affected, and key roads are now cut off. We’re talking about more than 2,000 schoolchildren and flower farm workers who can’t access schools or their jobs,” Kamanu said.
He added that several properties — including a nearby farm reportedly owned by President William Ruto — had not been spared. Numerous schools and flower farms also reported heavy losses.
Local farmer Salim Narokora described the flooding as catastrophic, revealing that livestock and harvested crops were swept away. “We barely salvaged anything. We’re in urgent need of help,” he pleaded.
Cleric Joseph Esokon warned of possible repeat tragedies if waterways remain uncleared. “We’ve seen what happened in Mai Mahiu. If nothing is done, it could happen here,” he said, referring to recent fatal floods in Nakuru County.
Meanwhile, in Homa Bay County, more than 200 households were displaced on Tuesday morning after River Awach Kibuon burst its banks, flooding Simbi Kogembo village and neighbouring areas in Central Karachuonyo.
According to the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), the affected families are being evacuated to Simbi Dispensary for safety. “Evacuation efforts are ongoing, and our teams are on the ground assisting residents,” the agency said in a statement.
The floodwaters destroyed homes, washed away farms, and displaced livestock. The disaster is the latest in a series of floods that have battered Karachuonyo in recent months.
In March this year, more than 200 families in Kibiri Ward were left homeless after heavy rains from Homa Hills flooded Kojwang sub-location, destroying property belonging to at least 96 households.
With the March–May long rains season forecasted to bring above-average rainfall in several parts of the country, the Kenya Red Cross has warned of a heightened flood risk and said it is ready to respond to emergencies.
Authorities and humanitarian organisations are urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert and follow evacuation advisories to avoid further tragedies.
