[PHOTOS] Red Cross distributes non-food items to Busia residents

Kenya Red Cross on Monday distributed non-food items to 883 households in Bunyala, Budalang'i in Busia County.

People living in Bunyala South sub-county were affected by floods after the banks of River Nzoia and Yala Swamp busted.

The consignments included household items such as utensils, mats, soap, blankets and trampolines to be used for making temporary houses.

Heavy rains that have been experienced since April in Busia County greatly affected livelihoods, shelter and with an immense impact on water and sanitation.

This further led to the displacement of 894 households who have since relocated to different evacuation centres on raised grounds.

The centres have been distributed with Budala having 96 households, Runyu 70, Igigo 42, Bulwani 200 and Khumwanda 486 households.

An assessment report by the Kenya Red Cross Society revealed that 300 houses in the Sub County reported underground water seepage making the shelters uncomfortable dwelling places.

According to the regional manager in charge of West Kenya Hellen Cheruto, the community's source of livelihood has been greatly affected as they majorly depend on agriculture and fishing.

"With most of the farms submerged in water and their fishing gear lost due to strong currents their economic ability has also been affected," she said.

"The flood water also swept away livestock leading to loss of income from the sale of milk products."