Kenya Red Cross ramps up flood rescue readiness in Homa Bay with live drills
By Mustafa Juma, May 2, 2026The Kenya Red Cross Society has intensified flood response preparedness in Homa Bay County, deploying specialised water rescue teams for training and simulation exercises as heavy rains continue to impact several parts of the country.
In a statement shared via X on Saturday, May 2, 2026, the Kenya Red Cross said that the drills, conducted at Kajimo Beach, brought together frontline responders in a coordinated effort to strengthen emergency response capacity, particularly in areas prone to flooding along Lake Victoria.
“As floods impact several parts of the country, Kenya Red Cross Water Rescue teams at Kajimo Beach, Homa Bay County, are stepping up water rescue preparedness,” the Kenya Red Cross stated.
Hands-on training and rescue simulations
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the exercise involved hands-on training sessions and a live rescue drill designed to sharpen critical skills in water safety, rescue operations, and safe evacuation of casualties.
The initiative aims to ensure that emergency teams are well-prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of rising water levels and flood-related incidents.
Multi-agency collaboration
The drills were conducted in collaboration with key partners, including the Kenya Coast Guard Service, local Beach Management Unit (BMU) groups, and the Homa Bay County government.
Officials said the joint approach is essential in building a coordinated response system that can handle large-scale emergencies, particularly in lakeside communities where water-related risks are high during the rainy season.
“Through hands-on training and a live rescue drill, our frontline responders are sharpening skills in water safety, rescue techniques and safe casualty evacuation, working alongside partners including the Kenya Coast Guard, Beach Management Unit groups and the county government,” the statement read.
Rising flood concerns
The preparedness efforts come amid growing concern over flooding in various regions across Kenya, with meteorological forecasts indicating continued rainfall in the coming weeks.
Floods have in the past caused displacement, loss of livelihoods, and, in some cases, fatalities, especially in low-lying and informal settlement areas.
On Friday, May 1, 2026, the Kenya Red Cross deployed response teams to help after heavy rains caused flooding in various parts of the country, leaving people stranded and roads blocked, with search and rescue operations underway.
The Kenya Red Cross said that the crisis had been most pronounced along Mombasa Road, particularly the Eastern Bypass section, where floodwaters have resulted in flooding and traffic disruptions on one of Nairobi’s major transport routes.
In Mukuru Kwa Njenga, authorities responded to reports of missing people and families stranded by the floodwaters.
“Following a heavy downpour, rising water levels have been reported along Mombasa Road (Eastern Bypass), resulting in flooding. In Mukuru kwa Njenga, there are unconfirmed reports of missing persons and marooned households. Kenya Red Cross Nairobi teams are en route for assessment and possible response,” the Kenya Red Cross noted.