Governor Jama calls on national government to address Tana River flooding

Garissa County Governor Nathif Jama Adam is urging the national government to address the problem of flooding caused by River Tana by establishing effective measures to curb persistent flood-related disasters.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, March 30, the governor expressed concern over the recurring floods, which he described as a long-standing challenge that has affected farmers in Garissa County and the broader Northern Region for over six decades.

"Every year, when we get the blessing of rain, what happens in Garissa is that our farmers suffer heavily because of the dams being released upstream, so the floods destroy our farms," he said

Governor Jama has also urged the national government to establish effective drainage systems to redirect floodwaters from the Tana River for agricultural use in the northern region of the country.

He proposed that before the floodwaters reach Garissa County, they should be diverted to the water-scarce northern areas to support farming activities beyond those currently taking place along the riverbanks.

"The current situation is unacceptable because no farming is happening, and the water is simply going to waste," he emphasized.

His remarks come just days after the Water Resources Authority (WRA) issued a flood alert, warning Kenyans—especially those in the North Eastern Region, of potential flooding due to the ongoing rainy season.

The Water Resources Authority (WRA) stated that many rivers nationwide, especially the Tana River, are nearing critical flood levels.

River Tana, Kenya's longest river, originates from the slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains, flows eastward through Garissa and Tana River counties before emptying into the Indian Ocean.

Along its course, the Tana River is a major water source for irrigation, hydropower, and other uses.

However, during heavy rainfall, the river’s water levels rise significantly, leading to flooding in surrounding areas.

The impact of these floods usually bring about severe devastation on families living along the river, including farmers who depend on its waters for Agricultural irrigation.

In May 2024, approximately 32,000 people in Garissa County were displaced due to the overflow of River Tana.