Kisumu Families Receive Relief After Devastating Hailstorm
Hundreds of families in Kisumu West and Seme subcounties have received emergency support after heavy rains and a hailstorm destroyed homes, farms, and institutions last week.
County Government Leads Relief Efforts
Led by Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, the Kisumu County Government distributed emergency relief and construction materials to the hardest-hit communities.
“Our administration is committed to cushioning vulnerable families during emergencies while also building long-term resilience against climate-related disasters,” Owili said.
The county delivered 4,200 iron sheets, 500 blankets, 33 bags of maize (50kg each), and 30 bags of beans (90kg each) to families whose homes and farms were destroyed. Many residents had been forced to sleep in the cold after their houses were flattened.
Partners and Local Leaders Join Efforts
Owili thanked the Kenya Red Cross for partnering in the relief initiative and appealed to well-wishers to complement the county’s efforts in helping victims rebuild their lives.
He was joined by County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, CEC Salmon Orimba, East Seme MCA Seth Okumu, South West Kisumu Ward MCA Jennifer Obonyo, and Nominated MCA Kennedy Ajwang’. The leaders assured residents of continued support while exploring long-term solutions to the recurring climate challenges in Kisumu.
Residents Share Their Experiences
Residents recounted how the hailstorm disrupted their lives:
- Lydia Akinyi, 76, from Osiri village: “The hailstones were so big. Everything inside my house was destroyed, and we were forced to sleep outside.”
- James Oloo: “We thought it was just normal rain, but it turned tragic when the hailstones started pounding.”
- Kephas Kasera: “What happened in our village is historic. We’ve never seen anything like this.”
Several villages including Karanok, Kanyamwa, Kamwanda, Kanyajowi, and Konyamgo were worst hit, with many homes losing rooftops. Osiri Primary and Secondary Schools were also damaged, forcing suspension of learning after classrooms were left with gaping holes and shattered windows. Some residents also sustained minor injuries.
Focus on Rebuilding
For now, attention has shifted to rebuilding homes and restoring a sense of normalcy for the displaced families. Kisumu leaders emphasized the need for stronger disaster preparedness to protect communities from the increasing effects of climate change.