Kenya, Sept. 10 -- Eldoret City floods have turned streets into rivers tonight following relentless heavy rain, plunging the bustling Kenyan city into chaos as residents scramble for safety and authorities rush to respond.

The downpour, which began late afternoon, has overwhelmed drainage systems, flooding homes, shops, and major roads like Nandi Road, with water levels reaching knee-deep in low-lying areas such as Naiva Chini.

Governor Jonathan Bii has ordered an immediate assessment of the damage, spotlighting the urgent need for better infrastructure as the city grapples with its worst flooding in years.

The rain, forecasted earlier this week with a 43% chance of heavy showers, unleashed over half an inch of water in just three hours, according to local weather updates. Areas like Kapsoya and Bandaptai saw flash floods sweep through, forcing families to evacuate as muddy torrents invaded living rooms and swept away livestock.

Traders along Uganda Highway reported soaked goods and shuttered businesses, echoing calls from the Uasin Gishu Chamber of Commerce for upgraded drainage to protect livelihoods.

Social media posts from residents captured cars stranded in floodwaters, with one video showing a bus nearly submerged near Eldoret Catholic Diocese, highlighting the scale of disruption.

Governor Bii, who recently inspected stormwater-prone zones, directed the Roads Department to prioritise repairs despite ongoing rains, a task complicated by damaged infrastructure in the Central Business District.

Community leaders are mobilising volunteers to distribute food and blankets, and the Kenya Red Cross has set up shelters at Eldoret Polytechnic. The flooding shows broader challenges since Eldoret's elevation to city status in August 2024, with experts pointing to poor urban planning as a root cause.

As night falls, Eldoret City floods continue to test the resilience of its people, with authorities promising swift interventions to restore normalcy.

With forecasts predicting more rain this week, the focus shifts to emergency preparedness and long-term solutions like improved drainage, ensuring this vibrant city can weather future storms without such devastating impact.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.