Heavy Rains cause farmers losses, North Rift

By Osinde Obare

Harvesting and transportation of farm produce has been paralysed in some sections of the Riftvalley following the heavy rains that are being experienced in the area.

The rains have cut off Sigor-Lomut road and left a trail of destruction on mango farms in Pokot Central district.

District Commissioner Daniel Kurui said sections of the road are impassable due to the extensive damage. Kurui said local mango farmers are counting huge losses after the rains destroyed their plants during the Thursday afternoon incident.

The DC said transport between Sigor and Chesogon has also been halted and several passengers are stuck on the road.

“The road has been completely cut off.  It is a disaster that requires urgent emergency intervention,” the DC told The Standard from the affected area.

The administrator said a bridge at Sighia River has been washed away and urged Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and the Ministry of roads to put up emergence measures.

Meanwhile the rains have also affected maize harvesting in Trans-Nzoia County and causing fear and panic among farmers of possible losses.

The local Kenya National Federation of Agricultural Producers (KENFAP) branch chairman William Kimosong said farmers are encountering difficulties to harvest and transport the crop from the fields.

“The rains have paralyzed harvesting and farmers fear that the crop would rot in the fields unless the rains subside,” said Kimosong.

A spot check by The Standard revealed that most roads in the country have become impassible following heavy rains.