Several families have been displaced in Naivasha after Lake Naivasha's water level rose, flooding nearby residential areas and estates.
The floods have left hundreds of households stranded, prompting a swift response from humanitarian agencies.
The floods are a direct result of the recent heavy rains that have pounded the region. The downpour caused the lake to burst its banks, submerging vast areas of land and infrastructure around the lake's basin.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, at least 971 households have been directly affected by the rising waters. The agency is on the ground to assess the full extent of the damage and provide aid to the displaced families.
Dozens of homes and schools have been completely submerged in the most affected areas.
The floods have hit Kihoto Estate and sections leading up to the Pipeline area particularly hard.
The flooding has also triggered a dangerous human-wildlife conflict. Grazing fields and animal habitats surrounding the lake have been submerged, forcing wildlife to move into human settlements in search of food and dry ground.
This has led to an increased presence of wild animals in residential estates. Residents have reported seeing hippos and buffaloes roaming through their neighbourhoods.
Local authorities and humanitarian agencies are working to mitigate the crisis. They are appealing to residents to exercise extreme caution and are coordinating efforts to provide safe evacuation for the affected families.
It was also reported that some schools have been forced to suspend learning as classrooms and playgrounds are flooded.
Farmers are also counting losses after their crops and livestock were swept away or left without pasture.
Lake Baringo Floods
In a similar but separate incident, residents living around Lake Baringo are also calling for urgent government intervention, as rising water levels have submerged parts of nearby estates.
Sections of the Chemolingot–Marigat road have also been affected and locals fear the highway could soon be cut off.
They have appealed to the Kenya National Highways Authority to create alternative routes before the situation worsens.
