Why Kaptembwa, Kiamunyi residents are relieved but watchful this rainy season

Something good and unexpected is happening in Nakuru that has locals crossing their fingers and hoping the situation does not change.

You see, when the rains started three weeks ago, everyone was worried, because in the past locals have been left with bad memories from the rainy season.

This is due to the damage caused by the downpour in the form of gaping cracks and the sudden appearance of fault lines. Whenever it rains, there's a lingering fear of waking up to a giant hole in your compound.

And it's not an unfounded fear. This time last year, similar rains caused fissures in areas like Kaptembwa - displacing families and damaging property.

But despite the ongoing downpour, all seems well.

"When the rains started, many people in Kaptembwa were worried. It has been raining for three weeks now, but fortunately we haven't had any major incidents like last year," says Eric Rotich, the chairman of Nyumba Kumi in Kaptembwa.

He believes that improving the drainage system in the area is key to preventing future disasters.

"There was a public participation recently and it was proposed that a new drainage line be built in an area called 140. The idea is to channel water into the system already installed under the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project, which eventually drains into the Ndarugu River. This would ease the flooding situation in Kaptembwa," he explains. 

Residents of Kiamunyi have similar concerns. A large crevasse near the Gioto dumpsite, on the way to Olive, is a constant reminder of the risks associated with heavy rainfall.

Ryan Ogol, a resident of Kiamunyi, echoes these sentiments, saying that this year's rains haven't been as intense.

"I don't think the rains have been as heavy this time. It usually pours for a short while and then stops. Sometimes it doesn't rain at all. Last year it was non-stop and combined with poor drainage, the damage was inevitable," he says. 

Near the Rift Valley National Polytechnic (RVNP), a massive crack opened up in one of the roads last year, forcing students and locals to use ladders to cross the road at various points to get to their homes. 

Brian Kibet, a student at RVNP, says efforts have been made to repair the road and pedestrians can now cross, but it's still unusable for vehicles.

"For now, it's okay - and we hope it stays that way," he says.