Tana River Emerges as Kenya’s Second-Fastest Growing County as Investments Surge
Tana River County recorded one of the strongest economic performances in Kenya in 2023, ranking second only to Marsabit in the latest Gross County Product (GCP) report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. According to the report, the county posted a 7.6 percent growth rate, driven largely by renewed investor confidence and rapid expansion in agriculture, fisheries and small-scale enterprises. County officials say the economic momentum has also boosted revenue collection, with locally generated funds rising sharply in the past two financial years.
County Secretary Mwanajuma Hiribae attributes the growth to a steady increase in business registrations, which jumped from 1,849 in the 2022/23 financial year to 2,410 in 2023/24—an impressive 30 percent rise. She says the influx of new enterprises has stimulated circulation of money across villages and market centres, while also lifting local revenues. The county generated Sh90.2 million in own-source revenue in 2023/24, achieving more than 93 percent of its target. This marks a substantial improvement from Sh65.3 million collected the previous year.
Agriculture remains the county’s primary growth engine, with Tana River investing in 22 minor irrigation schemes to boost food production. The county has also ventured into value addition by installing two rice dehuller machines for local cooperatives, enabling farmers to process rice locally and fetch better prices. Mango farmers, who previously suffered huge post-harvest losses, are benefitting from investments by agribusiness players such as Milly Fruits, who now buy produce on a large scale. Dairy farmers, too, have seen major gains after the installation of milk cooling plants in Garsen and Bangale, increasing average daily production from 600 to 1,000 litres.
Beyond agriculture, the fishing sector is thriving following the installation of an ice plant in Kipini and support from development partners, including the European Union through the Go Blue programme. The provision of 50 fishing boats and modern gear has enabled fishermen to venture deeper into the ocean, boosting catches and income. Improved infrastructure, including at least 50km of graded access roads, and expanded vocational training centres are also credited with supporting the county’s upward economic trajectory. With ongoing projects and continued investment, Tana River leaders say the county is positioning itself as an emerging economic hub in the Coast region.