By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, September 01,2026 - The Government has been put on high alert over the rising water levels in Kenya’s lakes, with MPs warning of an impending flood disaster if urgent mitigation measures are not put in place before the projected long rains.
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining today demanded immediate action to protect communities living in flood-prone areas, warning that already swollen lakes could overflow and worsen displacement, destruction of property and human-wildlife conflicts.
The Committee, led by Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, held a series of meetings with senior Government officials to assess the severity of the rising water levels across the country and establish the Government’s preparedness to respond to the looming threat.
“Are there feasible plans to mitigate this situation, and are they backed by sustainable resources?” Mr Musyoka posed.
The MPs particularly raised concerns over Lakes Baringo and Bogoria, where rising water levels have heightened fears of further flooding and possible interaction between the two lakes, threatening communities and infrastructure in surrounding areas.
The legislators said the projected heavy rains could aggravate the situation unless State agencies move swiftly to implement both short- and long-term interventions.
Njoro MP Charity Kathambi warned that the expected rains could trigger further spillage from the lakes and worsen the situation in affected areas.
“It is automatic that with the El Niño we are expecting, these waters are likely to spill even further if no urgent mitigation measures are put in place,” she said.
Kericho MP Beatrice Kemei demanded to know when the Government would implement measures to avert the anticipated disaster.
“What are the current plans in place to avert these public fears, and how soon should we expect these remedies to take off without having to deal with post-rain catastrophes?” she asked.
The committee also sought answers on whether the Government had established mechanisms to compensate families already affected by rising lake waters.
Baringo South MP Charles Kamuren, the committee’s vice-chairperson, said communities displaced by the rising waters were facing additional threats from wildlife, with hippos and crocodiles venturing into private land.
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“These overflowing waters have already displaced some communities, and there exist human-wildlife conflicts with aquatic animals like hippos and crocodiles occupying private land,” he said.
The MPs further questioned the Government’s plans to protect people living on riparian land, warning that continued encroachment could expose thousands of residents to danger as water levels rise.
Kilifi County MP Gertrude Mbeyu challenged the Government to urgently secure riparian areas and prevent loss of life.
“There are several Kenyans still residing on riparian land, and these fast-rising water levels pose a major threat to their livelihoods. Can the Government ensure that we do not lose any more lives in the coming weeks for avoidable reasons?” she posed.
Appearing before the committee, Roads Principal Secretary Joseph Mbugua and Water and Sanitation PS Julius Korir said the Government was working on measures to ensure roads, drainage systems and other infrastructure are able to withstand the projected heavy rains.
The committee, however, pressed PS Korir to explain how the Government intends to reclaim riparian land occupied by encroachers who face the greatest risk of being swept away by overflowing waters.
The MPs will today continue their scrutiny of the Government’s preparedness, with Principal Secretaries in charge of Interior, National Treasury and Basic Education expected to appear before the committee.
The sessions are expected to establish the extent of the anticipated threat and whether adequate resources have been set aside to prevent another round of devastating floods.