Two organisations tasked to do feasibility study on Baringo floods

In response to the heavy rains and floods been experienced in Baringo County, the Ministry of Devolution and ASAL has tasked two organizations to carry out a feasibility study on the effects of floods.

The two organizations the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry(KNCCI) and Health Relief International will carry out a feasibility study on the effects of floods in Baringo County in regards to the livelihood, business activities, health, transport and infrastructure, education amongst others.

After the study the organizations are also tasked to come up with post COVID-19 recovery measures, particularly in the health sector, mechanisms and all related programs.

“KNCCI as the organization mandated to support and protect the business community is currently running a number of programs to cushion SMEs during this period of COVID-19 and with its devolved chapters will ensure that the business community in Baringo County benefit from these programs,” said Hassan Wario,KNCCI Coastal Region Director.

So far according to the area Education Officer George Kokeyo, the floods have submerged seven learning institutions namely; Ngambo Secondary and Primary Schools, Sindani Secondary and Primary, Salabani Secondary and Primary and Lesura primary School-Totally submerged. The health sector has also been affected with three health facilities being submerged in water.

“The area residence of Marugat Sub-County are likely to contract water borne diseases like typhoid and malaria and pneumonia due to the drinking of contaminated and sleeping outdoors in the extreme cold weather, “said the Deputy Commissioner of Marigat Sub-County Job Anunda.

Hotels have also been affected too thus incurring huge losses. SoiSafari Lodge is one of the hotel that has been affected, the floods have seen the hotel lose billions in revenues. Tumbili Cliff Lodge has also been affected with the access road to the hotel flooded. Other hotels include Roberts Camp and Lake Baringo Country Club which have totally been submerged, Island Camp and Blockhotels.

Loruk Market Center and Nga’mbo Center have been greatly affected. Businesses have also been shut down due to the in accessible roads connecting Marigat –Baringo East Tiaty to Logumukum therefore hindering the movement of goods and people.

“From the findings we will come up with interventions measures both short and long term to address this issue,” said Dr. Lotern Brown, Country Program Director, Health Relief International.