By Joel Clinton
Construction of a 50-kilometer flood control dyke along the River Nyando in the Kano Plains, Kisumu County, is currently underway. This marks a significant step in the fight against chronic flooding that has long affected the region. The project started in May 2025 and is being carried out by the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) in collaboration with the Ministry of East African Community, ASALs, and Regional Development.
The flood control structure spans the Lower Kano Plain, covering parts of Nyando, Nyakach, and Muhoroni sub-counties. Once finished, the dyke will protect thousands of families, schools, and trading centers from damaging floods that have historically displaced communities, destroyed crops, and disrupted livelihoods.
LBDA officials state that the 50km dyke is part of a wider government effort to improve climate resilience and food security. The project includes building a new dyke and repairing older flood barriers that have fallen into disrepair. Current work focuses on the Ahero Township area, which has been heavily impacted by seasonal floods and lake backflow.
Residents of the Kano Plains welcome the initiative, hoping it will finally end the challenges they face each rainy season. “For years, we have lost everything to floods. Our homes, our farms, even lives. This project gives us hope,” said a farmer from Ombeyi.
In addition to constructing the dyke, the government has also initiated flood mitigation measures. This includes desilting major rivers like Miriu, Achuodho, and Ombeyi to improve water flow and decrease overflow risks. Plans for the Koru-Soin Multi-Purpose Dam are also in progress. This dam is expected to control water levels, generate power, and support irrigation in the region for the long term.
Officials stress that the flood control project is not just an investment in infrastructure. It is a lifeline for the people of Kano. Once completed, it is expected to turn the area into a more secure, productive, and sustainable agricultural hub, ending decades of destruction caused by floods.
