By IP Reporter
The County Government of Kakamega County has intensified efforts to address the devastating effects of heavy rainfall after convening a high-level consultative meeting with officials from the Kenya National Highways Authority and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority to formulate urgent intervention measures.
The meeting, spearheaded by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Housing, Urban Areas and Physical Planning, Angela Muchai, comes in the wake of widespread destruction caused by persistent rains across several parts of Kakamega Municipality.
Officials raised concern over the escalating flooding crisis that has severely affected areas such as Shirere and the Kenya Power schemes, leaving infrastructure damaged and residents exposed to heightened risk. Prior to the consultative forum, a joint technical inspection involving county officials and engineers from KURA was undertaken to assess the magnitude of destruction and identify immediate mitigation priorities.
Among the key resolutions reached during the meeting was the proposed construction of gabion protection structures and the installation of comprehensive storm water drainage systems along the highway corridor leading to River Isukhu. The interventions are expected to help redirect excess surface runoff, protect critical infrastructure and reduce the likelihood of further flooding.
Authorities also confirmed that the Bukhulunya community area remains under active inspection as part of the county’s broader flood assessment and response programme aimed at identifying vulnerable zones requiring urgent attention.
Speaking during the meeting, Ms. Muchai urged residents occupying riparian land to cooperate with government agencies and other stakeholders in ongoing discussions surrounding possible resettlement to safer areas. She noted that the county administration remains committed to safeguarding lives and property as emergency mitigation measures continue to be rolled out.
The county’s flood response initiative is being implemented under the leadership of Governor Fernandes Barasa, with county officials reaffirming their commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and improving urban drainage infrastructure to cushion residents against future climate-related disasters.
