FAMILIES DISPLACED AS SOSIANI RIVER BURSTS BANKS IN ELDORET.

Several families at Elgon View Estate in Eldoret have been forced to abandon their homes after the Sosiani River burst its banks, flooding entire neighborhoods and causing significant property damage. The incident occurred early Monday morning, around 5 a.m., following three consecutive days of heavy rainfall in the region. Residents reported that water gushed into their houses unexpectedly, leaving them with little time to salvage their belongings.

Haron Ngagaka, a resident affected by the flood, expressed the extent of the losses suffered. According to him, the water destroyed household property worth millions of shillings, including furniture, electronics, and personal items. Ngagaka called on relevant government authorities to intervene and assist the displaced families, emphasizing the urgent need for relief measures such as temporary shelters, food supplies, and medical aid.

“The water came so fast that we barely had time to move anything. Many of us have lost everything we had,” Ngagaka said, describing the chaotic morning when the floodwaters swept through the estate. “We need urgent help from the government because the situation is unbearable. People are sleeping outside, and the children are the most affected.”

The Uasin Gishu County Deputy Governor, Evans Kapkea, acknowledged the severity of the situation and attributed the flooding largely to a combination of poor drainage systems and unusually high volumes of rainwater converging from surrounding areas into the Sosiani River. He explained that the river’s capacity had been overwhelmed, causing it to spill into residential zones that are particularly vulnerable to flooding.

“We have a very big challenge with drainage, especially with floodwaters from rural areas flowing into Sosiani,” Kapkea said. He further stressed the urgent need for structural interventions to prevent such disasters in the future, including proper drainage networks, riverbank reinforcement, and sustainable urban planning.

Kapkea also urged residents living in flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures. He advised the community to avoid constructing houses near riverbanks and low-lying zones that are highly susceptible to flooding. “It’s crucial for residents to be vigilant, particularly during the rainy season. Early evacuation can save lives,” he added.

Local authorities and emergency response teams have reportedly begun assisting affected residents, providing temporary relocation options and essential supplies. However, the scale of the flooding has made it challenging to reach all families promptly. Relief efforts are being coordinated with both county officials and local community groups to ensure that displaced families have access to food, water, and medical attention.

Experts note that Eldoret’s rapid urban expansion, coupled with inadequate drainage systems, has increased the town’s vulnerability to flooding. As more rural runoff enters rivers without proper containment or drainage, the risk of flash floods rises significantly. According to hydrologists, the frequency and intensity of floods in the region have been exacerbated by climate change, with erratic rainfall patterns becoming more common.

Residents of Elgon View and surrounding estates recounted harrowing experiences of trying to escape the rising waters. Some households reported being trapped inside their homes for hours before managing to evacuate safely. Many people lost valuable documents, personal effects, and household appliances, intensifying the economic and emotional impact of the floods.

Community leaders have called for long-term interventions to mitigate future flooding. Suggested measures include widening river channels, constructing additional drainage points, establishing flood warning systems, and enforcing zoning regulations that prevent settlements in high-risk areas.

In addition to property losses, public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and drainage culverts has also sustained damage, causing disruptions to transport and daily routines in Eldoret town. Businesses in affected zones have temporarily closed, and schools have postponed sessions to ensure the safety of students.

While the government has pledged to provide immediate relief, residents emphasized the importance of a permanent solution to recurring flooding problems. They argued that without comprehensive urban planning and environmental management, such disasters would continue to disrupt livelihoods and threaten lives.

The Uasin Gishu County government has advised residents to remain vigilant as meteorological reports indicate that heavy rainfall may persist in the coming days. Authorities are urging people living near rivers and low-lying areas to monitor water levels closely and evacuate if necessary.

As emergency teams continue their operations, the community is banding together to support the displaced families. Neighbors are sharing temporary shelter, and local organizations are collecting donations to provide food, clothing, and other essentials. The flood incident has sparked renewed calls for improved disaster preparedness, better drainage infrastructure, and proactive urban planning to protect residents from future calamities.

The flooding of the Sosiani River has exposed the vulnerabilities of Eldoret’s infrastructure to extreme weather events. It has left many families homeless, destroyed valuable property, and highlighted the urgent need for both immediate relief and long-term preventive measures. The county government, in collaboration with residents, must take decisive action to address drainage challenges, enforce safety regulations, and ensure that communities are better prepared for the increasing risk of floods.