Directors of the Board recently undertook an inspection tour of the Authority’s projects. Key among these projects were the flood control projects. In Baringo County, the board toured River Perkerra flood control works in Marigat Sub-County, Ng’ambo location to inspect works undertaken over the years. They appreciated completion of 194m length of gabion construction and 12m length stretch at Lekirati section and further had a view of the de-silted section of the river channel.
Perkerra Flood Control Project has been able to mitigate against the effects of floods that had perennially destroyed farms and flooding of schools in Sintaan village along River Perkerra. Directors were happy that the long rains experienced across the country between April and May did affect Sintaan Primary School hence, bumper harvest is awaited. They promised to engage with the parent Ministry for additional resources to further entrench the works.
Trans Nzoia County is popularly known as the food basket of Kenya and has heavy farming activities in the area. However, this is a is a major cause of siltation along the river beds leading to flooding. Flood prone areas are in the farms of Marinda, Namanjalala, Amuka and Bidii villages.
The Authority has constructed and maintained earth dykes and gabions along River Sabwani and along its tributary, River Chemususu. Ag. Chief Executive Office John Muhia briefed the board on the extent of works under the just concluded financial year of 2023/2024 which entailed construction of 500m earth dyke along the southern side of River Sabwani; construction of 185m auxiliary dyke along River Chemususu; de-silting of the delta where River Chemususu joins River Sabwani; Dyke filling of 300mm height onto the existing 1.1km long dyke; cutting of drainage channels on both sides of the dyke to relief flow; and construction of two cattle ramps.
In the counties of Homa Bay, Migori, and Kisumu, the Authority has constructed dykes to protect households, property and agricultural farms from being destroyed by floods. The dykes are along River Kuja in Migori County, River Awach Tende in Homa Bay County, and Sondu Mirui (Marine Section) in Kisumu County.
The Authority’s Chairman; CPA Simon Kimaru reiterated the critical role the Authority’s mandate of flood control plays in protection of lives and national infrastructure. He noted that the Authority has over time constructed and maintained over 126Kms of flood control structures across the country. These include dykes, riverbank protection structures, river dredging, check dams and river training.
Before the Authority’s intervention, River Nyando used to burst its banks causing flooding in Ahero town, the police station, health center and the neighboring commercial centers and villages. This situation has since changed. Similarly, Budalangi, where we had persistent flooding has not encountered floods because of the Authority’s presence in constructing and maintaining flood control structures. The Authority has been undertaking flood control works in other areas within the country.
The team which was led by the Authority’s Chairman CPA Symon Kimaru also toured Siyoi-Muruny’ dam in West Pokot County. Also present were the board of Directors, Ag. Chief Executive Officer and Authority’s senior staff.
