The government has completed half of a planned 30km dyke system in Nyando Constituency as part of efforts to control perennial flooding in the area.
Speaking during a women’s empowerment event in Nyando on Saturday, Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo said 15km of dykes had already been built through the Lake Basin Development Authority.
He said funding had been allocated in the current financial year to construct a further 10km, with the remaining section expected to be completed before the end of the financial year.
“Out of the total 30 kilometres of dykes that are supposed to be constructed, we have already completed 15 kilometres,” Dr Omollo said.
Additional funding has been allocated this financial year to enable the construction of another 10 kilometres.
He said the project would also benefit neighbouring flood-prone areas in Homa Bay and Busia counties.
Dr. Omollo added that the government planned to build two large dams under the National Infrastructure Fund to complement flood control measures and improve water supply in the region.
Nyando has experienced frequent flooding for decades, mainly due to the overflow of River Nyando.
The floods have displaced thousands of people, damaged crops and infrastructure, and disrupted economic activity.
Residents have repeatedly called for permanent measures to address the problem.
Dr. Omollo also said the Ministry of Interior had created new administrative units and was recruiting chiefs and assistant chiefs to improve access to government services.
He urged residents to register for national identity cards and take part in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
“This region has close to one million eligible voters who have not yet registered. I encourage everyone to register and participate in shaping the country’s future,” he said.
The Principal Secretary said the government’s development agenda was intended to ensure resources were distributed across all parts of the country.
The women’s empowerment event brought together hundreds of participants, who received information on government programmes, including the Women Enterprise Fund and other initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses and improving household incomes.
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