Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika visit flood victims/X
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has visited Kihoto Estate in Naivasha Town, where swelling waters from Lake Naivasha have displaced thousands of residents and submerged homes, leaving families stranded.
The floods, which have escalated in recent days due to rising water levels in the lake, have caused widespread destruction and forced many residents, among them women, children and elderly persons, to flee to safety.
Governor Kihika said more than 4,000 residents have been affected so far.
She described the situation as a humanitarian emergency that requires collective action, compassion and coordinated rescue efforts.
“I was deeply moved by the plight of women and children stranded in flooded houses deep within Kihoto Estate, in urgent need of evacuation,” she said.
The county government has deployed trucks, lorries and boats to assist in evacuating affected families.
Kihika noted that more heavy vehicles, including tippers, are being brought in to speed up the relocation of families to safer grounds.
We have brought in more tippers to assist in evacuating and transporting affected families to safer shelters. So far, we have successfully evacuated over 2,000 people," the Governor stated.
To strengthen response coordination, she announced the formation of a multi-agency committee comprising County Government officials, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) and faith leaders.
The committee will oversee evacuation operations, shelter management and the distribution of food and basic supplies.
“We have established a structured system to ensure that support reaches everyone in need. The committee will coordinate transportation, temporary shelter and food distribution to affected families,” she stated.
Governor Kihika appealed to local churches and schools to offer temporary refuge to displaced families, emphasising the urgency of ensuring that learners currently sitting examinations are not disrupted. She also called on companies and business entities operating in Naivasha to step in with humanitarian support.
“I also urge our local firms to partner with us by providing food, bedding, water and other necessities. The county is welcoming any assistance that can ease the suffering of the affected families,” she said.
The governor further appealed to landlords in neighbouring estates not to take advantage of the dire situation by increasing rent for families relocating from the flooded areas.
Additionally, she urged leaders to put aside political differences and stand together in supporting the affected families, rather than turning the Kihoto tragedy into a platform for political contestation.
The county government pledged continued monitoring of the situation and is exploring long-term solutions to mitigate future flooding.
