By Angelina Ndanu
At least seven people have been swept away by floods in Makueni County over the past two weeks, following heavy rains that have also destroyed homes and displaced several families, authorities have confirmed.
Local administrators said the victims were carried away by fast-flowing floodwaters while attempting to cross swollen rivers and seasonal streams after intense downpours swept across the semi-arid county.
Makueni County Commissioner Duncan Darusi said most of the deaths occurred when residents tried to cross rivers whose water levels had risen rapidly after rainfall upstream.
“We have lost seven people in the last two weeks after they were swept away by floods. Most incidents happened when people attempted to cross rivers that had swollen following the heavy rains,” Darusi said.
Several houses in low-lying areas were also destroyed after flash floods swept through villages, leaving families in urgent need of humanitarian support.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid flooded rivers and remain cautious as rains continue in parts of the county.
The incidents come as Kenya experiences increasingly erratic weather patterns linked to climate change, with experts warning that both droughts and intense rainfall events are becoming more frequent.
Although Makueni County lies in the country’s dry eastern belt, it has in recent years faced sudden flash floods caused by short bursts of intense rainfall that overwhelm rivers and seasonal streams.
Climate scientists say such extreme rainfall episodes are consistent with projections associated with Climate Change, which is expected to increase the intensity of storms across East Africa.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, many parts of the country are now experiencing more unpredictable rainfall patterns, with dry spells frequently interrupted by intense storms that trigger floods.
Flood disasters have become increasingly common across Kenya in recent years, affecting both traditionally wet regions and arid counties.
In 2024, widespread floods linked to the El Niño phenomenon killed dozens of people and displaced thousands in counties across the country.
Experts say poor land management, deforestation, and settlement in flood-prone areas are worsening the impact of heavy rainfall events.
Environmental analysts note that degraded catchments and reduced vegetation cover reduce the land’s ability to absorb rainwater, increasing runoff that quickly turns rivers into dangerous torrents. Disaster response officials say the latest tragedies highlight the need for stronger early warning systems, improved drainage infrastructure, and greater public awareness in rural communities.
