Government Moves to End Decades-Long Flooding in West Kano and Kanyagwal

By Wasike Elvis

The Government of Kenya, under President William Samoei Ruto, has taken decisive steps to end decades of displacement, destruction, and loss caused by recurring floods in West Kano and Kanyagwal.

According to Josephat Lowoi, Secretary of the Minority and Marginalized Affairs Unit at the Executive Office of the President, the West Kano–Kanyagwal Flood Control Project, implemented through the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA), is now 70% complete.

“The project has reclaimed over 7,000 hectares of land, constructed a 3.5km dyke, a footbridge, and undertaken environmental greening to protect villages and restore dignity to families who have lived as flood victims for generations,” Lowoi said.

He noted that the initiative reflects intentional and forward-looking leadership, focused not merely on managing disasters but ending them permanently.

“This project demonstrates that Kenya can and must plan for the long term, safeguard its people, and unlock productive land for food security and economic growth,” Lowoi added.

The project, he said, reflects the government’s commitment to first-world development standards, ensuring that citizens are protected, communities are resilient, and development leaves no one behind.

Officials emphasized that the flood control efforts will transform the region, opening up new opportunities for agriculture, infrastructure development, and sustainable livelihoods, while safeguarding communities from future natural disasters.