Uasin Gishu Residents on Alert as Heavy Rains Displace 302 Households in Tana River

Residents of Uasin Gishu County have been urged to remain vigilant amid warnings of heavy rainfall across the country after floods displaced at least 302 households in Tana River County, raising fresh concerns over the impact of the ongoing rainy season.

The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has listed Uasin Gishu among 45 counties expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, with residents warned of possible flash floods, strong winds and poor visibility.

The warning comes as communities in Tana River County continue to grapple with the effects of flooding triggered by persistent heavy rains along Kenya’s Coast.

In a statement released on Friday, October 30, the Kenya Red Cross Society reported that 302 households had been displaced, while another 3,156 households had been affected by the floods.

The situation reportedly worsened after Tulu and Minjila dams in the Tana Delta overflowed, sending floodwaters into neighbouring villages and residential areas.

The humanitarian organisation said the flooding had also affected parts of Lamu County, particularly Hindi and Witu, where some homes had started experiencing rising water levels.

Of the 302 displaced households in Tana River, 175 had received emergency assistance, including food supplies, tarpaulins and blankets provided by the county and national governments.

The Kenya Red Cross said its response teams were working alongside other partners to assess the situation and provide assistance to affected families as the rains continued.

For Uasin Gishu residents, the latest developments come amid a nationwide weather advisory warning of potentially dangerous rainfall conditions.

According to the meteorological authority’s October 25 forecast, Uasin Gishu is among counties expected to receive rainfall exceeding 20 millimetres within 24 hours during the forecast period.

Other neighbouring counties listed include Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and Kericho, raising concerns over the potential impact of heavy rainfall across the North Rift region.

Residents have been cautioned against ignoring weather warnings, particularly those living in low-lying areas, near rivers and in locations prone to flooding.

The meteorological authority has also warned that flash floods may occur even in areas that do not receive heavy rainfall, as water can flow downstream from locations experiencing intense precipitation.

The developments underscore the importance of early preparedness among households, farmers and businesses in Uasin Gishu, where heavy rainfall can disrupt transport, damage property and affect agricultural activities.

Residents have consequently been encouraged to remain alert, monitor official weather updates and take precautionary measures to protect their families and property as the rainy season continues.

Although the reported displacement has occurred in Tana River County, the inclusion of Uasin Gishu in the latest heavy rainfall advisory places the North Rift county among areas being cautioned about possible weather-related hazards.