Garissa Residents Demand Urgent Drainage Repairs as Floods Disrupt Homes and Businesses
Garissa town residents are calling on county authorities to urgently repair and unclog drainage systems after heavy rains on Saturday left homes and business premises submerged. The worst-hit areas, including Iftin Ward and sections along Kismayu Road, experienced severe flooding that forced families to evacuate and traders to count losses. Residents say the situation was worsened by poor workmanship on recently constructed roads, which diverted stormwater into homes instead of directing it into proper drainage channels.
According to locals, several culverts in Iftin Ward collapsed or were poorly aligned, causing flash floods that swept through residential zones. Ali Ismail Baraki, one of the affected residents, accused contractors of negligence and urged the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) to intervene immediately. Traders along Kismayu Road also suffered significant damage as floodwaters filled business premises, blocking entry to shops and destroying merchandise. Fatuma Aden, a shop owner, said a clogged culvert—stuffed with garbage and plastic bottles—had turned the street into a shallow river. Market vendors at Soko Mugdi echoed similar frustrations, calling on the municipality to clear drainage channels and enforce anti-littering rules to prevent recurring blockages during rainy seasons.
The flooding in Garissa contrasted sharply with neighbouring Wajir County, where residents gathered at Orahey Grounds to pray for rain amid a prolonged dry spell. Led by Muslim clerics, hundreds performed Salatul Istisqa—special prayers seeking rainfall—highlighting the region’s climate extremes. Religious leaders urged residents to reconcile and seek unity as they appealed for divine mercy. With weather forecasts predicting more rain in some areas and continued dryness in others, community leaders and traders in Garissa warn that without immediate drainage repairs, the town could face worsening floods and potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases. They are now urging the county government, KURA, and disaster response teams to move swiftly to protect lives, property, and livelihoods.