By Christopher Omondi
Nyalenda B is one of the largest informal settlements in Kisumu County, and for decades, it has suffered from recurring floods that displace families, destroy property, and disrupt daily life. The primary culprit is the backflow of the River Nyamasaria. However, there is hope on the horizon. The Member of Parliament for Kisumu Central constituency has announced the commencement of Phase II of flood mitigation works along the Subcounty.
“For over 20 years, families in Kapuothe Village, Nyalenda B, have experienced devastating floods caused by backflow from the River Nyamasaria. During heavy rains, homes are submerged, schools are disrupted, and livelihoods are destroyed. Previous interventions were mainly relief-based. During my 2022 campaigns, I promised to fix it, not with beans and rice, but with lasting solutions. Today, we have commenced Phase II of the flood mitigation works: construction of dykes and gabions, and desilting of the River Nyamasaria,” stated Hon. Joshua Oron.
The United Destiny Shapers CBO, a community organization based in Nyalenda, has welcomed the start of Phase II but emphasizes the need for accountability and equity to ensure that the solutions are permanent and beneficial to neighboring villages.
“We appreciate that construction has finally started after years of advocacy. Floods have displaced hundreds and destroyed property annually not only in Kapuothe but also in Wigwa and Nyaori. We will work with residents to monitor the quality of dykes, gabions, and desilting works to ensure value for public money. The community must be involved in site supervision and given regular updates on progress and budget,” asserted Mr. Peter Oluoch, the organization’s coordinator.
Community members have expressed their views, with many welcoming the initiative yet approaching it with caution while raising even more concerns. “The entire River Nyamasaria requires a Marshall Plan, a rehabilitation that can convert the river into a canal that can be used for irrigation. Kapuothe is part of Namthowi; the land has never been issued with title deeds, a process that can only be achieved through a presidential decree, a dream that has taken decades and shows no signs of fruition. Namthowi is a cross-cutting issue involving Kisumu East, Central, and Kadibo Sub-counties,” stated Alex Wadegu.
The commencement of Phase II marks a significant step after 20 years of flooding in Kapuothe. The community’s endorsement of this intervention is strong, but its ultimate success hinges on continued engagement, transparency, and uncompromising quality assurance.
