• Savula said the long-term solution lies in constructing a dam across River Nzoia.
• He said a proposal for a dam was floated but residents rejected the project on grounds it would lead to their displacement.
Image: HILTON OTENYO
Kakamega county has put on high alert people living on the banks of three major rivers over likely flooding.
Deputy Governor Ayub Savula said on Thursday the county disaster committee inspected rivers Nzoia, Kipkaren and Yala and established they could burst their banks anytime and displace people.
“The flooding is likely to occur at Chebaywa in Lugari and Matungu. We have formed disaster response committees and subsequently dispatched response units to the areas that are likely to flood,” he said.
He said the county government is prepared for any eventuality to ensure no life is lost to floods.
Savula, who spoke in his office, said the long-term solution lies in constructing a dam across River Nzoia.
He said a proposal for a dam was floated but residents rejected the project on grounds it would lead to their displacement.
“A dam on upper Nzoia remains the solution to flooding menace in parts of Kakamega and Busia counties. The national government should reconsider the project because there is government land that is vacant and can host the dam reservoir,” Savula said.
A dam will turn the water into a resource to benefit residents instead of displacing or even killing them.
He said residents rejected the project because they were required to leave their farms for the project but they need it.
The deputy governor said there was vacant land in Lugari, which can be host the dam without relocating people from their ancestral land.
He said the dam, if constructed, will boost horticulture through irrigation and fish farming.
President William Ruto on Tuesday directed all people living on riparian land to leave within 48 hours or be forcibly removed.
He issued an order for people to immediately evacuate locations that are dangerous during the rainy season.
These places include those prone to mudslides and flooding are common.
"We should act immediately to address the issues and address ourselves; now is not the time to place blame," Ruto said.