The national government has stepped up its response to the drought in Tana River county, with officials assessing the situation and rolling out urgent intervention measures.
During a tour of Assa location, one of the worst-hit areas, Public Service and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said government agencies mandated to manage disasters were already on the ground evaluating the extent of the crisis before implementing long-term solutions.
Ruku said the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) would identify suitable areas for the construction of large dams and water pans to harvest rain and flood water for use during future dry seasons.
“I have directed NDMA to look for funds to desilt the Assa Dam and the other water pans so that we can harvest enough rain and flood water,” he said.
Garsen MP Ali Wario said residents were facing acute food shortages and appealed for support from both the national and county governments and well-wishers.
“Residents here reside in scattered areas due to drought and harsh climatic conditions and in Assa division we have secured 200 bags of rice and another 200 of beans and the one for Kone and Bombi will be stored and transported within two days,” Wario said.
Wayu MCA Maka Jarso said the drought had placed thousands of residents at risk of starvation.
“In Galedertu subcounty alone, more than 20,000 residents are at risk of starvation due to the drought situation,” he said.
Jarso said the situation on the ground remained dire, with communities struggling to access both food and water.
“We are in dire need of food aid because the drought has really hit us hard, our animals are dying and we even don’t have water,” he said.
Residents also expressed frustration over what they described as neglect by the county government. Assa resident Baloni Barisa accused the Tana River County government of abandoning affected communities.
“I have not bathed for three days because my wife has to walk more than six kilometres to fetch water which is only used for cooking since she can’t fetch enough for the family due to the congestion at the only remaining water pan,” Barisa said.
Instant analysis
The drought in Tana River County highlights the persistent vulnerability of arid and semi-arid regions to climate shocks and slow relief response systems. While the national government’s intervention signals urgency, the crisis exposes long-standing gaps in water harvesting, storage infrastructure, and coordinated disaster preparedness.
by CHARLES MGHENYI
