Families in parts of West Pokot are counting losses after heavy rains destroyed homes, swept away crops and damaged roads, while flash floods have also disrupted transport in Elgeyo Marakwet and other counties.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, the Embobut River burst its banks on Thursday, November 12, flooding the Soko Bora area and making the route impassable.
Residents said the rains began in the afternoon, leaving travellers heading between Kapsowar and Eldoret stranded. Floodwater also covered Sokobora Bridge, prompting warnings for people to keep away from the riverbanks.
Parts of Trans Nzoia were also affected, with sections of Soko Mjinga shopping centre reportedly flooded on Thursday evening. Heavy rainfall was also reported in Baragoi, Samburu County.
In West Pokot, the damage was more extensive. Homes were destroyed, farms submerged and roads cut off after heavy downpours hit several areas.
A footbridge linking Arol and Tandapos in Adurkoit was swept away on Wednesday night, disrupting movement between the two areas.
Some families have been left without shelter after floodwaters damaged their houses, while others lost livestock and farm produce. Residents have called on the government to provide emergency assistance and repair damaged roads.
County officials in West Pokot County have commenced an assessment of damages in certain areas in Kacheliba and Kapenguria constituencies to determine the number of affected families and the help needed.
On Thursday, officials from the Department of Special Programmes, Humanitarian Coordination and Disaster Management led by Chief Officer Daniel Lopale toured affected areas in Riwo and Suam wards.
They reviewed reports of losses of goats, sheep and farm produce due to the recent rainfall.
Kenya Meteorological Department has, however, cautioned that further rainfall is expected in some areas in the country including Nairobi, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, Central Kenya and Lake Victoria Basin.
According to their forecast made on Thursday, November 12, some places may experience over 50mm of rainfall in 24 hours together with isolated thunderstorms. This was up until 9am today, Friday, November 13.
The public has been advised not to cross flooded roads and rivers amid the ongoing rain.
