WEST KANO, Nyando, 20th November-The Kenyan government is spearheading a major infrastructure project to permanently address the devastating perennial floods that have plagued residents of West Kano in Kisumu County.
For years, flooding has displaced families, destroyed property, and severely disrupted livelihoods in the region.
The intervention, known as the West Kano–Kanyagwal Flood Control Project, is being implemented by the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority in the vulnerable Ogenya Sub-location, Kadibo Sub-county.
This area is particularly susceptible to flooding due to its low-lying position along the delta where the River Nyando drains into Lake Victoria, often experiencing back-flow from the lake.
A recent severe flooding event underscores the urgency, having devastated 684 households and completely destroyed 450 houses in Kanyagwal alone.
According to Interior Security and National Coordination Permanent Secretary(PS) Dr Raymond Omollo, the project is currently 48 percent complete, the government is moving to reclaim approximately 7,000 hectares of land. The core of the initiative involves the construction of a substantial 1.5-metre-high dyke that spans 3.5 kilometres.
This physical barrier is complemented by grassing and tree planting to stabilise the newly reclaimed areas, along with a footbridge included as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) component.
Upon its completion, the project is designed to provide a secure environment for residents, directly protecting homes, farms, and livelihoods from the frequent floods. This will allow the community to live without the constant threat of displacement and will facilitate the resettlement of families who have already lost their homes.
Furthermore, the project will extend its protection to critical public infrastructure. Key facilities in severely affected villages such as Kanduru, Kanyangi, Kajowi, Wachiegwe, Kanyamuok, and Karagwel in Kanyagwal Location like schools, health centres, roads, markets, and places of worship will be safeguarded.
This will ensure that essential services like healthcare and education remain accessible and uninterrupted during rainy seasons.The West Kano–Kanyagwal Flood Control Project stands as a significant state-level commitment to resolving a long-standing crisis.
As work continues, residents are anticipating its completion, which promises to end years of hardship and instil a renewed sense of security and hope for the future.
