Western Kenya’s Day of Despair: A Dam Collapse with Deadly Repercussions

In western Kenya, the collapse of the Old Kijabe Dam, triggered by heavy rainfall, has turned a day into despair, marking one of the region’s deadliest natural disasters. This dam collapse swept through houses and severed a major roadway, compounding the devastation already caused by widespread flooding across the East African region, claiming lives and displacing hundreds.

The catastrophic event, which claimed at least 40 lives, is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by aging infrastructure amid increasing instances of extreme weather. As communities grapple with the aftermath, the need for rigorous preventative measures and a reassessment of disaster preparedness protocols has never been more urgent.

Timeline of the Dam Collapse

Early Warning Signs and Immediate Aftermath

1. Date and Location of the Collapse: On April 29, 2024, the Old Kijabe Dam, situated in the Mai Mahiu area of the Great Rift Valley region in Western Kenya, experienced a catastrophic failure early in the morning.
2. Casualties and Immediate Impact: The collapse led to at least 40 fatalities. A massive wall of water was released, devastating nearby houses and severing a critical roadway, which significantly disrupted local transportation and emergency responses.
3. Weather Conditions Leading to the Collapse: The region had been experiencing heavy rainfall since mid-March, contributing to the soil saturation and increasing the water load on the dam, which ultimately triggered the dam’s failure. This area is known for being susceptible to flash floods, which compounded the disaster’s severity.

Impact on Local Communities

Displacement and Shelter Needs

1. Massive Displacement: The dam collapse in the Mai Mahiu area has been catastrophic, displacing over 200,000 people. Many residents found their homes submerged and were forced to evacuate to safer areas.
2. Shelter Provision: In response, President William Ruto directed the National Youth Service to allocate land for temporary camps. These camps have become essential for providing shelter to those who lost their homes.

Infrastructure and Daily Life Disruptions

• School Closures: The widespread flooding triggered by the dam burst has led to the postponement of school openings, affecting educational activities across the region.
• Airport Flooding: Kenya’s main airport experienced significant flooding, disrupting flights and highlighting the broader infrastructural challenges posed by the heavy rains.

Regional Impact

• Neighboring Countries Affected: The heavy rainfall has not only impacted Kenya but also neighboring countries. Tanzania reported 155 fatalities, and Burundi saw over 200,000 people affected by similar flood-related incidents.

Future Concerns

• Continued Rainfall: The Meteorology Department has issued warnings for more rainfall, which could lead to further flooding. This ongoing threat necessitates urgent and effective response strategies to mitigate additional impacts.

Response and Relief Efforts

Government and Community Initiatives

1. Humanitarian Assistance Delivery:
   • Government-led relief efforts are ongoing with significant support from humanitarian partners.
   • Approximately 20,590 individuals have received direct humanitarian aid to date.
2. Advisories and Warnings:
   • The Kenya Meteorological Department continues to predict heavy downpours, urging those in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground.
   • The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has issued specific advisories for areas anticipated to experience severe flooding.
3. Infrastructure and Support Systems:
   • The Kenya Red Cross Society actively updates on the evolving situation, tracking the number of affected individuals.
   • President William Ruto has facilitated the setup of temporary camps by allocating land through the National Youth Service, aiding displaced residents.

Strategic Long-Term Measures

1. Cultural and Economic Considerations:
   • Local leaders are revisiting previously halted dam projects, aiming to address the root causes of the floods, which were stopped due to cultural practices.
   • Discussions among Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) governors and the national government are set to prioritize long-term solutions to flooding.
2. Economic Recovery and Planning:
   • Post-Covid-19 economic recovery plans are being adjusted to include considerations for recurring floods and other natural calamities like desert locusts.
3. Construction and Engineering Projects:
   • A definitive resolution for floods in the Bunyala area involves constructing dams in upstream counties and establishing permanent dykes to prevent future disasters.

Preventative Measures and Future Outlook

Strategic Initiatives and Projects

1. Thwake Multipurpose Dam Project:
   • Objective: Enhance water supply for domestic, livestock, irrigation, hydropower, and industrial activities.
   • Public Involvement: Achieved through interviews, questionnaires, and stakeholder meetings.
   • Stakeholder Recommendations: Include compensation, security measures, and job reservations for locals.
2. Water Act 2002 Implementation:
   • Purpose: Streamline water resource management and improve sanitation services.
   • Impact: Addresses the chronic water scarcity by harmonizing water management efforts across Kenya.

Environmental Management and Flood Mitigation

• Western Kenya Community-driven Development and Flood Mitigation Project:
  • Focus on environmental management and poverty reduction in Western and Central provinces.
• Natural Resources Management Project:
  • Aims to enhance resource management and sustainable development.

Technological Advancements in Early Warning Systems

• Flood Early Warning System:
  • Data Collection: Gather information on rainfall and river levels using modern technology like satellite imagery.
  • Community and Decision Maker Alerts: Provide timely information to mitigate flood impacts effectively.
  • Expansion Plans: Serve as a model for similar systems in other catchments.

Climate Action and National Climate Change Action Plan

• Priority Climate Actions:
  • Focus on mitigation in sectors like agriculture, energy, and transport to reduce GHG emissions.
• NCCAP 2018-2022:
  • Key Areas: Include disaster risk management, water and blue economy, and health.
  • Budget: Projected at KES 1,784,309 million over five years to implement climate actions effectively.