As I journey through the passage of time, traversing the landscape of life from the innocence of childhood to the wisdom of age, it saddens me deeply that the echoes of Budalang’i floods persistently resonate in my ears year after year, a somber refrain from the days of my youth.
This perpetual cycle of devastation weighs heavily on my heart, knowing that fellow Kenyans in the marshy regions endure displacement and even loss of life, seeking refuge in camps when the rains pour, especially in the North Rift, where waters cascade downstream, swelling the River Nzoia and eventually feeding into the vast expanse of Lake Victoria.
As I pen these words with a heavy heart, countless families find themselves uprooted in Budalangi’s Bunyala, Busia County, their lives disrupted by the unyielding deluge.
Yet, despite the tireless efforts of both the National and County Governments, a lasting solution remains elusive.
False promises echo down the years, from the days of President Mwai Kibaki to the present, leaving residents disillusioned and disheartened.
It is time for action.
Without dwelling on unfulfilled promises, it is imperative that the Governor of Busia takes decisive steps to address the ongoing catastrophe.
Halting all forthcoming projects, the focus must shift towards combating the yearly onslaught of floods.
The County Government, in collaboration with national agencies, must prioritize the rehabilitation of permanent dykes constructed in the 1970s.
These dykes not only serve to contain floodwaters but also channel water flow, safeguarding critical infrastructure and mitigating the risks posed by recurrent flooding.
As I conclude these reflections, I am reminded of the resilience and strength of the Budalang’i community in the face of adversity. Despite the ongoing challenges and broken promises, there is hope for a brighter future.
It is imperative that we heed the call to action and work together to address the Budalang’i flood crisis. By prioritizing rehabilitation efforts, implementing proactive measures, and holding our leaders accountable, we can pave the way for lasting change and ensure that future generations do not have to endure the same cycle of devastation. T
The time for action is now, and together, we can build a safer, more resilient Budalang’i for all.
Paul Nyongesa is an accomplished writer at Kenyan Report, boasting extensive experience in the field for over a decade. Paul can be reached via email at [email protected].
