By Catherine Atundi, NNN-KBC
Nairobi : The Kenyan government has earmarked 6.5 billion (about 97 million USD) to build three dams as part of its strategy of finding a permanent solution to the problem of floods in Budalangi constituency.
Programmes Minister John Munyes says the funds will also be used to create waterways, construct dykes and canals in order to control the flow of water into the River Nzoia.
He said Sunday that the project, which would be undertake in partnership with the World Bank, would also be extended to address rampant poverty affecting residents in Budalangi.
Dykes, which were constructed along River Nzoia in the 1970s to control flooding in Budalangi, were no longer effective.
Weather experts attribute the flooding in Budalangi to rains in other regions, including Mt. Elgon, Cherangani and Kaptagat hills.
Other contributing factors included destruction of wetlands, global warming and deforestation.