Kenya Meteorological Service Authority

Flash floods destroy homes and farms as heavy rains hit four counties Several families in West Pokot County have been left counting losses after heavy rainfall triggered floods that destroyed homes, swept away farms and damaged roads, disrupting movement in affected villages. The flooding, which was reported on Wednesday and Thursday, also affected parts of Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia and Samburu counties as rivers burst their banks and water submerged roads and bridges. In Elgeyo Marakwet, commuters travelling between Kapsowar and Eldoret were stranded on Thursday after the Embobut River overflowed, flooding the Soko Bora area and making Sokobora Bridge impassable. Residents said the heavy rainfall began in the afternoon, forcing motorists and other road users to suspend their journeys. They were also warned against going near riverbanks as water levels continued to rise. In Trans Nzoia County, parts of Soko Mjinga shopping centre were reportedly flooded on Thursday evening, while Baragoi in Samburu County also experienced heavy rainfall. West Pokot recorded significant damage, with floodwaters submerging farms, destroying houses and washing away infrastructure. Some families lost livestock and farm produce, while others were left without shelter. A footbridge connecting Arol and Tandapos in Adurkoit was swept away on Wednesday night, cutting off an important connection between the two areas. West Pokot County officials have since started assessing the damage in parts of Kacheliba and Kapenguria constituencies. A team from the Department of Special Programmes, Humanitarian Coordination and Disaster Management, led by Chief Officer Daniel Lopale, visited the affected areas on Thursday. The assessment covered Riwo and Suam wards, where several households reportedly lost goats, sheep and farm produce. Residents have appealed for urgent government assistance to restore damaged roads, provide relief supplies and support affected families. Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rainfall could continue in Nairobi, Western Kenya, the Rift Valley, Central Kenya and the Lake Victoria Basin. In its forecast issued on Thursday, November 12, the department warned that some areas could receive more than 50 millimetres of rain within 24 hours, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms. The warning runs until 9am on Friday, November 13, with residents advised to avoid crossing flooded roads and rivers and follow official weather updates.