NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 8 — The government has stepped up preparations to protect communities living along the Nyando River Basin from flooding as heavy rains threaten homes, livelihoods and infrastructure.

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Principal Secretary for East African Community Affairs and Acting PS for ASALs and Regional Development Dr Caroline Karugu said the government was strengthening flood preparedness and response measures, including work on dykes and other flood-control interventions.

Karugu spoke during a visit to the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) in Kisumu, where she inspected the rice mill and poultry section as part of efforts to assess projects supporting livelihoods in the region.

She said the government was particularly concerned about communities in low-lying areas of the Nyando Basin that have repeatedly borne the brunt of flooding during heavy rains.

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“We are looking at how best we can cushion the people of the Nyando River Basin because we know that when the rains come, there are communities that are affected,” she said.

Karugu said existing measures, including dyke interventions, would be strengthened while authorities identify weak points and improve flood-control infrastructure.

“We must not wait until disaster happens. We have to prepare early, work with the communities and make sure that the necessary interventions are in place,” she said.

The government is also expected to strengthen coordination on early warning, evacuation and emergency response to ensure residents at risk receive timely information and assistance.

The measures are aimed at protecting homes, farms, roads and other infrastructure while reducing losses among communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on agriculture.

Karugu said flood mitigation would also require close cooperation between the national and county governments, communities and relevant agencies, with longer-term interventions needed to improve resilience.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya