Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika toured Kihoto Estate in Naivasha Town, where rising levels of Lake Naivasha have triggered severe flooding, displacing more than 4,000 residents, including women and children.

The disaster has left the community in distress, with homes submerged and families in urgent need of assistance. Kihika’s visit underscored the scale of the crisis, as she outlined ongoing rescue efforts and appealed for collective support to address the humanitarian emergency.

Kihika expressed deep concern for the affected population, stating, “I was deeply moved by the plight of women and children stranded in flooded houses deep within Kihoto Estate, in urgent need of evacuation.”

Watch: Kihika mobilises rescue efforts as floods displace over 4000 people in Naivasha

To tackle the situation, she has mobilised additional resources, noting, “We have brought in more tippers to assist in evacuating and transporting affected families to safer shelters. Additionally, we have deployed more lorries and boats to rescue residents whose homes have been submerged. So far, we have successfully evacuated over 2,000 people.” These efforts reflect a concerted push to relocate those trapped by the floodwaters and provide immediate relief.

Call for unity among leaders

Kihika emphasised the need for collaboration among leaders, stating, “I called upon leaders to unite in supporting the victims instead of politicising the tragedy that has befallen Kihoto Estate.

Together, we will continue to seek long-term solutions to this disaster as we comfort the affected.” Her call for unity highlights a focus on both immediate relief and sustainable strategies to address the ongoing impact of the floods in the region.

Multi-stakeholder committee to coordinate relief

To ensure effective coordination, Kihika has established a multi-stakeholder committee. “To enhance coordination, I formed a committee comprising members from the County Government, NGAO officers, and the clergy. This committee will oversee evacuation, transportation, shelter provision, and food distribution to the affected families,” she said.

She has also reached out to the community for support, adding, “I have appealed to churches and schools to open their doors to displaced residents, with particular attention to students sitting for their examinations. I also urged local firms operating in the area to offer assistance, and we welcome support from other companies and corporate partners. Furthermore, I appealed to landlords in nearby estates to not increase rent for affected families.” These measures aim to provide temporary shelter and alleviate financial burdens on the displaced.