TANA RIVER County—Jan 21, 2026—The national government has moved to intervene following a prolonged drought that has severely affected parts of Tana River County, leaving thousands of residents facing acute food and water shortages.
Public Service and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, speaking during a tour of Assa location—one of the worst-hit areas—said government agencies responsible for disaster management were conducting assessments to guide immediate and long-term interventions.
Ruku said the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) had been directed to identify sites for the construction of large dams and water pans to harvest rain and flood water for use during dry seasons.
“I have instructed NDMA to source funds to desilt Assa dam and other water pans to ensure adequate harvesting of rain and flood water,” he said.
Garsen MP Ali Wario said residents were in urgent need of relief food, calling on both the national and county governments, as well as well-wishers, to step in.
He said that due to the harsh conditions, residents had been forced to settle in scattered locations, adding that 200 bags of rice and 200 bags of beans had already been secured for Assa division, while food supplies for Kone and Bombi would be stored and distributed within two days.
Wayu Ward MCA Maka Jarso said more than 20,000 residents in Galedertu Sub-county alone were at risk of starvation, noting that the drought had also led to the death of livestock and severe water shortages.
“We urgently need food aid. Our animals are dying, and there is no water,” said Jarso.
Residents accused the county government of neglect. Assa resident Baloni Barisa said access to water had become increasingly difficult, forcing families to go for days without bathing.
“My wife walks more than six kilometres to fetch water, which we only use for cooking because there is congestion at the only remaining water pan,” he said.
