Senator Ojienda raises questions on the ongoing construction of dykes along River Sondu Miriu

Parliament Buildings 
Wednesday, 14th May 2025 

Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda (Kisumu) has asked the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations to investigate the ongoing construction of dykes along River Sondu Miriu. 

The National Youth Service (NYS) under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration is currently constructing dykes in the Homa Bay side of the river but there is no corresponding effort on the Kisumu side. 

This poses a serious threat as the dykes could potentially redirect floodwaters towards Nyakach, putting residents at increased risk of destruction and displacement.

River Sondu Miriu forms the boundary between Kisumu and Homa Bay Counties and frequently bursts its banks, resulting in devastating floods that affect both Nyakach in Kisumu County and Rachuonyo in Homa Bay County.

While requesting for a Statement on the floor of the House today, the legislator tasked the National Security Committee to investigate the scope of the dykes construction project, the source of funding and the decision-making process that led to the selective prioritization of the Homa Bay side, to the exclusion of the Kisumu side, despite both counties being equally vulnerable to flooding.

He said that a hydrological impact assessment must be conducted before the commencement of the project and its findings tabled on the table of the Senate. 

"The National Security Committee must tell this House the plans that the government have to ensure that similar dyke construction is undertaken on the Kisumu side to safeguard the residents of Nyakach from potential disaster," Prof. Ojienda said. 

He also requested the Senator Fatuma Dullo-led Committee to find out the current and planned interventions by the relevant agencies for comprehensive flood control and mitigation in all affected counties.