Severe flooding has affected large areas of Kenya since the beginning of the “long rainy season” in early April 2021. By April 23, more than 25,000 people had been displaced, according to the Red Cross. Further heavy rains from May 8 worsened the situation and flooding was recorded in Kakamega, Turkana, Homa Bay, Baringo, Busia, Siaya and Kisumu counties.
On April 23, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reported flooding in Tana River, Busia, Kisumu, Garissa and Marsabit counties. IFRC reported two deaths and 25,958 people (4,493 households) were displaced. There was extensive crop damage in the Tana River basin.
Further heavy rain that began on May 8 caused flooding in at least 7 counties. On May 10, the KRC reported that heavy rain over the weekend caused flooding in Homa Bay and Baringo counties.
On May 11, the Kenya National Roads Authority reported that several sections of roads in the Lake Victoria Basin were affected by flooding, leaving some lakeside communities isolated.
By May 13, the KRC reported nearly 1,000 families displaced in Homa Bay, Banringo and Busia. Flash floods also affected areas of Turkana and Kisumu counties. Heavy rains caused the Endau and Kipsangui rivers to burst their banks, flooding areas of Kakamega County.
In addition, a bridge connecting Migori and Homa Bay counties in Riat Oriya collapsed when a truck passed through. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Heavy rain in recent days has also caused problems with roads and traffic in the capital, Nairobi, as well as in parts of Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
