Families left homeless as heavy rains wreak havoc in Kisumu and Homa Bay

By Robert Mugo

Several families in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties are counting losses after heavy rains pounded the region, destroying homes and displacing residents.

The downpour, which began late at night, caused widespread flooding in low-lying areas such as Nyamasaria (Kisumu) and Kendu Bay (Homa Bay), forcing dozens to flee for safety. Temporary shelters have been set up in nearby schools and churches, but affected families say they are in urgent need of food and bedding.

“We were woken up by water rushing into our house,” said Agnes Atieno, a mother of four from Nyamasaria. “By the time we grabbed the children and a few clothes, everything else was already floating.”

Local leaders say the destruction was worsened by poor drainage. In Kendu Bay, several mud-walled homes collapsed, leaving families without shelter.

“This is not the first time this has happened,” noted Peter Owiti, a community elder in Homa Bay. “Every rainy season, we suffer like this.We need more than food. We need drainage, housing plans and action before lives are lost."

Residents are appealing to the county governments of Kisumu and Homa Bay, as well as the national disaster response teams, to intervene quickly. As the rains continue, more homes could be lost if urgent measures are not taken.