Kenya Red Cross steps up flood preparedness in Trans Nzoia as rains intensify.

Alarmed by the prospects of heavy rains and flooding across some of Trans Nzoia, the Kenya Red Cross (KRC) has rolled out measures to cushion communities from the potentially devastating impact of floods.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Ruth Miningwo, the KRC county coordinator for Trans Nzoia, said the organization has trained local disaster response teams at the grassroots level. These teams, she explained, are equipped to react swiftly should flooding occur.

“We have invested in community-level disaster preparedness. Our disaster response teams are trained and ready. In addition, we have been sending out early warning and early action messages to sensitize the public, including life-saving safety tips,” said Miningwo.

Among the alerts shared with residents are practical safety measures. According to the entity, six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and just a foot of water is enough to carry away a vehicle.

She urged residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to act with urgency and prudence.

“People need to understand the risk. If your house is flooded, switch off all electricity and electronics immediately. Most importantly, follow the directives issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department via mainstream media. Situational awareness can make the difference between life and death,” Miningwo warned.

In a move to ensure an effective response, KRC has mapped out areas historically vulnerable to flooding.

“While we do have data on high-risk areas, we recognize that disaster dynamics are shifting. New vulnerabilities emerge as conditions change,” she added.

Besides floods, Trans Nzoia’s disaster profile also includes landslides, particularly in Pango, a known hotspot within the Saboti constituency. KRC has worked closely with the county government and key stakeholders to map these areas comprehensively.

Ronald Masindano, the KRC county chairman, echoed her sentiments, emphasizing their preparedness in high-risk zones such as the Sabwani river banks, which have witnessed repeated displacements and destruction in the past.

“Several families have lost their homes and farms in these areas. But we are seeing improvements. The county government has helped to rehabilitate key check dams, for instance, Amani and Kaptega, which are critical in controlling runoff,” said Masindano.

He also acknowledged infrastructure work undertaken in Namanjala and Tembelela, where dykes and drainage enhancements are projected to reduce the number of affected people to under 1,000 a significant milestone if achieved.

He emphasized the community's central role in the response effort, calling them “the first line of defense.”

“No matter how many resources we have, the residents themselves must remain alert and informed. They are the ones on the ground when disaster strikes,” he stressed.

KRC has also activated its 24-hour emergency toll-free number, 1199, encouraging residents to use it in times of crisis.

For residents like 39-year-old Anthony Wanjala of Namanjala, the memories of past floods are still vivid.

 “In 2021, we lost everything: our crops, our home. It took us months to recover. Now, with the Red Cross teaching us what to do, we feel more prepared. We know where to move, what to pack, and when to leave.” Wanjala recalls.

Miningwo appealed for calm but vigilance. “Preparedness is not about panic; it is about readiness. Let us work together to reduce the risks and protect lives.”