By Joshua Otieno | May 20, 2026
KAKAMEGA, KENYA — Panic has gripped residents of the Jamumbo scheme in Kakamega town following a worsening soil erosion crisis that has caused the collapse of several homes and forced multiple families to flee their properties.
Residents say the destruction has been fueled by uncontrolled stormwater runoff flowing directly from the main town centre into the residential area, leaving homes vulnerable to destruction as heavy rains continue to pound the region.
The fast-moving water has carved deep gullies across the neighbourhood, weakening house foundations and placing dozens of structures at risk of collapse.
Affected families have blamed poor drainage planning during recent urban road upgrades, accusing local authorities of failing to put in place proper systems to manage runoff water.
“We are living in fear because every time it rains, the situation becomes worse,” said one resident whose home was partially destroyed. “If urgent action is not taken, more families will lose everything.”
Property owners have criticized the county government for what they describe as inadequate drainage infrastructure, saying recent development projects redirected large volumes of water into residential zones without sufficient safeguards.
Residents are now calling on the Kakamega County government to urgently construct proper stormwater drainage systems and retention walls to contain the erosion and prevent further destruction.
The affected families are also seeking emergency humanitarian assistance, compensation for damaged property, and long-term environmental restoration measures.
The crisis has renewed concerns over infrastructure planning in rapidly growing urban centres across western Kenya, where poor drainage systems and uncontrolled development continue to expose communities to environmental disasters.
Environmental and disaster management agencies are now being urged to intervene before the situation worsens and more homes are lost.
