Heavy rainfall caused flooding and disrupted travel in several counties.
Floodwaters strand commuters in Elgeyo Marakwet and destroy homes and farms in West Pokot as weather officials warn of more rain.
Flash floods cut off roads and damaged homes after heavy rain hit several counties on Wednesday and Thursday. Overflowing rivers disrupted travel in Elgeyo Marakwet, while floodwaters destroyed homes and farms in West Pokot.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, the Embobut River burst its banks on Thursday, making the Soko Bora area impassable. Residents said afternoon rains stranded commuters travelling between destinations including Kapsowar and Eldoret.
Floodwaters also covered Sokobora Bridge, prompting warnings for residents to keep away from riverbanks.
Flash floods disrupt travel and livelihoods
Meanwhile, heavy rain in West Pokot swept away farms, damaged houses and submerged crops across affected villages. Some residents lost both shelter and livelihoods as floodwaters carried away infrastructure.
A footbridge linking Arol and Tandapos in Adurkoit also washed away during Wednesday night’s downpour. Its loss disrupted movement between the two areas.
Residents have appealed for urgent government help to support families and provide relief. They also want authorities to restore damaged roads.
Elsewhere, parts of Soko Mjinga shopping centre in Trans Nzoia reportedly flooded on Wednesday evening. Baragoi in Samburu County also experienced heavy rainfall.
West Pokot assesses losses as rain warning continues
West Pokot County officials have begun assessing damage in parts of Kacheliba and Kapenguria constituencies. The exercise aims to establish the scale of destruction and identify households needing assistance.
Chief Officer Daniel Lopale led a county team to affected areas on Thursday. The team came from the Department of Special Programmes, Humanitarian Coordination and Disaster Management.
The assessment covered Riwo and Suam wards, where several households reportedly lost goats, sheep and farm produce.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned that heavy rainfall would continue across several regions. These include Nairobi, Western Kenya, the Rift Valley, Central Kenya and the Lake Victoria Basin.
In its Thursday, November 12 forecast, the department warned of rainfall exceeding 50 millimetres within 24 hours in some areas. It also forecast isolated thunderstorms.
The warning runs until 9am on Friday, November 13, amid concerns over flooding in areas experiencing persistent rain. Residents should avoid crossing flooded roads and rivers, remain alert and follow official weather updates.
