TANA RIVER County—Feb 3, 2026—Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana has assured residents of Kone area in Garsen Constituency that his administration is moving to restore community access to the Malka Halaku water reserve as drought conditions continue to strain pastoral livelihoods across the county.
Speaking during a visit to drought-affected areas, including parts of Galana Kulalu, the governor said the county government is in the process of transferring the management of the Malka Halaku reserve back to the local community to allow easier access to water for livestock.
Godhana acknowledged that pastoralists have for years faced harassment from security officers when attempting to move their livestock towards the reserve, worsening the impact of prolonged dry spells.
He said the move to regularise access would provide a lasting solution to water shortages facing herders in the area.
“The issue of ownership and management of Malka Halaku is being addressed this week. I also plan to engage the President on this matter to ensure a sustainable resolution,” the governor said.
Tana River County is currently grappling with worsening drought conditions following the failure of recent rainy seasons.
Large parts of the county, including Galole, Bura, Bangale and Garsen sub-counties, have recorded severe pasture depletion, forcing pastoralists to trek long distances in search of grazing land and water.
Livestock officials say the situation has been compounded by rising temperatures, which have accelerated the drying up of seasonal rivers and water pans. Weakened animals are increasingly vulnerable to disease, raising fears of losses among communities that rely heavily on livestock for food and income.
Residents of Kone area welcomed the governor’s assurance, saying access restrictions had worsened the crisis.
Kone Ward Chief Ibrahim Shambaro said the growing number of livestock in the area had prompted the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to deny herders entry into the reserve for grazing and water, a practice that had previously been allowed during severe droughts.
“The increase in livestock numbers has made it difficult for KWS to allow animals into the reserve, yet communities have no alternative water sources,” Shambaro said.
Tana River is classified as an arid and semi-arid county and has a long history of recurring droughts. Past dry spells have led to significant livestock losses, reduced household incomes and increased dependence on humanitarian aid.
The county government says it is working with national authorities and humanitarian partners to roll out emergency drought response measures, including water trucking, veterinary services and livestock feed supplementation, as it pursues longer-term solutions.
