Governor Jama Sounds Alarm as River Tana Water Levels Begin to Rise
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has raised fresh concerns over increasing water levels along River Tana, warning that downstream communities may soon face another round of destructive flooding. Speaking during Idd-ul-Fitr celebrations at General Mohamud Grounds on Sunday, the governor urged residents living near the riverbanks to relocate to safer zones as the water continues to swell due to heavy rains in upstream counties. He called on the national government to adopt a long-term strategy to prevent floods that repeatedly devastate families in Garissa and Tana River counties.
River Tana, which flows from the slopes of Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare ranges, receives water from major tributaries such as the Chania, Thiba, Maragua and Thika rivers. Over the past two years, communities farming and living along the river have endured severe losses, with farms swept away, homes submerged, and at least 20 people killed in Garissa alone during last year’s torrential floods. Key infrastructure has also suffered, including sections of the Garissa–Madogo road that remain under reconstruction after being washed off. The situation is often worsened when upstream dams—Massinga, Kiambere, Kamburu, Gitaru and Kindaruma—reach capacity and release water downstream.
Governor Jama criticised what he described as a lack of political will from national authorities, arguing that repeated proposals to divert excess water to arid northern regions have not been acted upon. He noted that while Garissa receives minimal rainfall, it continues to bear the brunt of water from other regions, leaving residents in a cycle of annual disaster. SUPKEM Garissa Secretary Sheikh Abdillahi Salat echoed the governor’s sentiments, urging families along the river to prioritize safety and heed evacuation advisories to avoid being marooned by rising waters.
With the long rains intensifying in upstream counties, local leaders are calling for swift action to prevent another humanitarian crisis. The county government has appealed for enhanced coordination with national agencies, including early release of flood alerts, reinforcement of embankments and investment in water diversion infrastructure. For now, residents living near the riverbanks have been urged to stay vigilant as authorities monitor water levels and prepare for possible evacuations in the coming days.