We have managed to construct flood control systems and other water infrastructure that have helped reduce the effects of floods. This year, people living along some sections of rivers Nyando and Awach-Tende were not displaced. Areas protected by dykes have managed to get bumper harvests from their crops and it is our joy and motivation to do more to ensure we cover more ground.

Flood control works are:

• Construction of new dykes
• Construction of check dams
• Raising heights of existing dykes along various Rivers
• River drainage channels
• Seepage control on rivers
• River bank stabilization on rivers
• Construction of water pans
• Construction of concrete check dams

Currently, we are carrying out various flood control projects along major rivers prone to floods where we seek to Improve the drainage capability of various rivers and Impound the flow within the flood plain and river channels. These are:  Kuja, Awach Tende/Maugo, Nyando, Nzoia- Budalang’I, Sabwani, Kapkakwa, Perkerra, Kawalase, Goda Merti, Sololo and Olopito El-Masharan Dam.

 These projects are mainly designed to address recurring floods, water scarcity, and climate-related challenges affecting vulnerable communities.

RIVER NYANDO

The River Nyando Flood Control Project is one of the largest and most important flood mitigation projects undertaken by NWHSA in western Kenya. The project is located in the Lower Kano Plains in Kisumu County and covers Nyando, Nyakach, and Muhoroni sub-counties. The Nyando River basin experiences severe flooding almost every rainy season, leading to the displacement of families, destruction of farms, loss of property, poor drainage, and environmental degradation.

The project mainly involved rehabilitation and strengthening of dykes, flood embankments, drainage systems, and riverbank protection works to contain floodwaters from River Nyando. These interventions were aimed at protecting settlements, agricultural land, roads, schools, and businesses from flood destruction. The project improved food security by ensuring that farmers can continue cultivating their land without prolonged flooding.

RIVER KUJA

The project focused on flood mitigation through river training works, dyke construction, erosion control, and improvement of drainage systems. Riverbank stabilization was also an important component because soil erosion and siltation reduced the river’s capacity to safely carry floodwaters.

The project reduced disaster risks while supporting sustainable agricultural activities in Migori County. Beyond flood protection, the project contributes to water conservation and environmental restoration in the Kuja basin.

Improved management of the river is expected to support irrigation farming and enhance livelihoods for communities that depend on agriculture and fishing.

KALAWASE

The Kalawase Flood Control Project is located in Turkana County. The area experiences flash floods during periods of intense rainfall, which affect settlements, roads, and agricultural activities. The floods are often worsened by poor drainage systems and seasonal river overflows.

NWHSA’s intervention in Kalawase included the construction of flood protection infrastructure such as embankments, drainage channels, culverts, and water diversion systems. These structures are intended to regulate water flow and reduce the impact of flash floods on local communities.

The project also supports water harvesting and storage for domestic and agricultural use. By controlling runoff and storing excess water, the project helps communities cope with drought periods that usually follow rainy seasons. This integrated approach improves climate resilience and strengthens local food production systems.

SABWANI

The Sabwani Flood Control Project in Trans Nzoia County is an initiative aimed at protecting vulnerable communities from seasonal flooding. The Sabwani area experiences periodic floods that damage infrastructure, destroy crops, and increase risks of waterborne diseases.

The project included the construction of drainage systems, riverbank reinforcement, flood channels, and stormwater management structures. These interventions have helped improve water flow and reduce water stagnation during heavy rains.

MARIGAT

The Marigat Flood Control Project is located in Baringo County, an arid and semi-arid area that experiences destructive flash floods. Seasonal rivers in Marigat can overflow rapidly after heavy rains, sweeping away farms, roads, homes, and livestock.

The project was designed to manage floodwaters through the construction of flood barriers, drainage channels, water pans, and river training structures. Since Marigat area is also affected by water scarcity, the project combines flood control with water harvesting and storage. Excess floodwater is captured and stored for later use in irrigation, livestock keeping, and domestic supply.

 

RECENT PROJECTS

Unoa Water Project
NWHSA implemented the Unoa Comprehensive School Water Project in Wote, Makueni County, to improve access to clean and reliable water for learners and the surrounding community. The project includes a borehole, solar-powered water system, and support for school feeding and kitchen garden programs under the “Feed One, End Hunger” initiative spearheaded by Rachel Ruto. The project was designed to enhance water security, food production, sanitation, and resilience against drought-related challenges in the semi-arid region.

Kalukyat Water Project
The Kalukyat project in Mau-Narok Ward, Nakuru County, focuses on improving water access and reducing the vulnerability of residents to water scarcity and environmental stress. Implemented under the government’s “Maji Mashinani” initiative by NWHSA, the project involves drilling a solar-powered borehole expected to serve thousands of residents. The initiative aims to support domestic water supply, livestock keeping, and small-scale agriculture while reducing the long distances residents travel in search of water.

Gongo Water Project
The Gongo Comprehensive School Borehole Water Project in Kanyamony, Kisumu County, is set to provide sustainable clean water to both the school and the surrounding community. The project includes a borehole and a community water kiosk to improve access to safe water and reduce the burden on women and children who spend long hours fetching water.

Barpello Water Projects
The project is located in Baringo County, within a rural- arid area that was traditionally used by pastoralists and prone to insecurity challenges due to conflicts over water and pasture. The pan will therefore increase accessibility of water for domestic, and livestock uses for the community and improved livelihoods. Chesitet water pan and Barpello springs in Tiaty sub-county will have a storage capacity of 14000 cubic meters, Chesitet pan will serve a population of about 1500 persons and 4,000 livestock units.

Ndaragwa Water Project
Over 3,000 residents from Mwangaza, Kangawa, and Kiharo villages in Kiriogo Location, Central Ward, Ndaragwa Constituency are set to benefit from improved access to clean and safe water following the completion of this project. Once completed, the project will help resolve the long-standing water shortage that has forced residents to walk long distances in search of water.

West Kano Kanyagwal Flood Control Project
The West Kano–Kanyagwal Flood Control Project in Kisumu County was initiated to address recurrent flooding along River Nyando and surrounding low-lying areas. The project involved the construction of dykes and flood protection infrastructure to reclaim approximately 7,000 hectares of land and protect communities from displacement. The project is expected to improve settlement stability, agriculture, and overall disaster resilience in Kadibo Sub-county.

Lamu West Flood Control Project
Located in Didewardie location, Witu Division in Lamu County. This project will safeguard a population of approximately 500, 10,000 cattle and will open up farmland for both agricultural and livestock use. It will also open up the area economically.

Natambusio Water Project
The Natambusio Flood Control Project in Turkana County has minimal publicly accessible documentation. It is understood to be a community-focused flood mitigation initiative aimed at controlling surface runoff, reducing erosion, and protecting local infrastructure and agricultural land from flood-related destruction through drainage and embankment works.

Soweto Water Project
The Soweto  Project in Turkana County involved the construction of gabions which are wire mesh structures filled with stones, to stabilize riverbanks and control soil erosion in flood-prone settlements. Dyke construction also took place to curb flooding in the area by the River Kawalase.

Nyatwere (Yapabot) Flood Control Project
The Nyatwere (Yapabot) Flood Control Project in Homa Bay County is intended to mitigate recurrent flooding and improve drainage in vulnerable areas through embankment construction and water flow management. Although detailed official information is limited, the project is associated with efforts to protect communities, farmland, and public infrastructure from flood damage while enhancing environmental conservation and resilience to extreme weather events.