Natembeya appeals for urgent aid as floods displace families in Kwanza, Endebess
By Kiprono Keileb, November 5, 2025Dozens of families in Trans Nzoia County have been forced to flee their homes after heavy rains triggered floods in Kwanza and Endebess sub-counties, leaving widespread destruction and forcing residents to seek refuge in makeshift shelters.
According to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s post on X posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the situation on the ground remains dire, with many victims now camping in temporary centres set up at Chief Mutende Comprehensive School and St. Pius Catholic Church.
“Residents from the flood-prone areas in Kwanza and Endebess Sub-County have taken refuge at Chief Mutende Comprehensive School and St. Pius Catholic Church, respectively, and are in dire need of food supplies, blankets, mattresses, mosquito nets, and other basic commodities,” Natembeya said in a statement on X.
The governor expressed concern that the ongoing rains could worsen the humanitarian crisis if urgent action is not taken. Many families, he said, have lost homes, livestock, and crops, their only source of livelihood, as rivers burst their banks and floodwaters swept through farms and villages.
Natembeya confirmed that county officials, in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross, have begun a rapid assessment of the affected areas to determine the extent of damage and identify urgent interventions. “County officials, in conjunction with officials from the Red Cross, have conducted a mapping exercise to ascertain the hotspots, level of adversity, and possible intervention measures,” he added.
The floods have also disrupted learning in some areas, with schools now hosting displaced families. Local leaders and humanitarian organisations have been urged to step in and provide emergency relief items to ease the suffering of those affected.
More than 9000 families affected
Governor Natembeya had earlier announced that some families had been evacuated on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 and taken to the hospital for examination. “The County Flood Response Team evacuated nine families, including two newborn babies, in Tembelela along the Sabwani River in Kwanza Sub-County. The rescued families have been taken for medical examination before their official admission into the rescue camp at Chief Mutende primary school,” Natembeya stated
He had also stated earlier that 9000 families were affected by the flooding. “Over 9000 people have been affected by the floods after the river Sabwani burst its banks,” he stated
For residents like those now sheltering at Chief Mutende Comprehensive School, the struggle goes beyond displacement. With children sleeping on cold floors and families sharing limited food, many fear a potential outbreak of waterborne diseases if conditions do not improve soon.
Natembeya’s appeal comes as heavy rains continue to pound several parts of the Rift Valley, raising fresh fears of more displacements and damage in already vulnerable areas.