Trans Nzoia governor appeals for help as 1,300 get displaced

The number of people affected by floods in the county has reached 1,357.

Out of this number, only 330 have got help from the county government. The most affected are residents of Kwanza constituency.

Governor Patrick Khaemba (pictured) is now reaching out to the national government and well-wishers to respond to calls by his administration for humanitarian support.

The governor made the call when he toured Namanjalala, Marinda and Maridadi areas where several families have been rendered homeless after their homes became flooded.

Last week, the county government released Sh5 million to buy necessities for the 330 people.

Blankets, mattresses, foodstuffs and other basic needs were bought for families camping at Makuyuni Primary School and Namanjalala market.

Making the appeal, the governor said his administration had exhausted the funds set aside for disaster mitigation.

"We don't have any more money to support the number of families in dire need of humanitarian aid. We are urging the national government to release funds towards helping the families," said the governor.

Accompanied by his Sports and Disaster Management Executive Eunice Chelimo and Kenya Red Cross official Ronald Masindano, the governor noted several families were suffering after being displaced from their homes.

River Sabwani burst its banks last week causing heavy flooding, which flooded several homes in the constituency.

Two lives have been lost to the floods while property amounting to millions of shillings, and many acres of land under maize destroyed.

Mr Khamemba told residents that drainage system will be dug in the affected areas.

The governor also urged residents in low area to move to higher grounds to avoid further losses.