Lake Baringo Floods Leave Families Homeless, Learners Stranded

Lake Baringo Mixed Secondary School submerged as rising waters flood classrooms and administration block, disrupting learning.

Lake Baringo has once again burst its banks, displacing families and disrupting learning in the region as floodwaters swallowed schools, homes, and farmlands.

Dozens of families have been forced to abandon their homes, while hundreds of learners are yet to report back for the third term. Several schools remain submerged, leaving children stranded and parents worried about their education.

Residents say the flooding has destroyed farmlands, livestock grazing areas, and homes, compounding an already dire humanitarian situation. Families now live in makeshift shelters on higher ground, depending on well-wishers for food and other necessities.

Community leaders have appealed for immediate intervention from both county and national governments to address the crisis. They are calling for emergency relief, relocation plans for affected households, and long-term solutions to mitigate the recurring floods.

The swelling of Lake Baringo has been a persistent problem in recent years, displacing thousands and raising concerns about environmental changes and inadequate planning around riparian zones. Education stakeholders fear prolonged interruptions could widen inequalities in the region, leaving many learners behind.

For now, families remain in uncertainty, hoping for swift action as the lake continues to expand and swallow more land.

Reporting by: Babz Abdul Raheem N.
Date: September 1, 2025