Kenya: Heavy Rains, Strong Winds Damage Buildings, Vehicles in Kisumu

What the report says

Heavy rains and strong winds hit Kisumu on Thursday, damaging several buildings and vehicles, according to Capital FM’s report carried by AllAfrica. The weather event lasted about 20 minutes but caused visible damage in different parts of the city, including along Obote Road and Jomo Kenyatta Highway.

At Jumbo Steel Mills Hardware on Obote Road, part of a wall collapsed and workers ran for cover. A cashier at the hardware said he took shelter under a table as employees hurried out of the building. On Jomo Kenyatta Highway, a billboard was blown down and damaged parked vehicles nearby.

Kisumu County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo visited the affected areas and said at least four structures had been damaged. He urged landlords and tenants to check the safety of older buildings, noting that structures with ageing roofs could be especially vulnerable if maintenance is poor. Security officers were deployed while the city planning team assessed the damage and advised on next steps.

The report said Kisumu is among areas expected to receive rainfall during the October-December rainy season, with earlier forecasts warning of heavy rain in the Lake Victoria Basin. The incident highlights the risks posed by severe weather to older buildings, roadside structures and parked vehicles in the city.