By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 5 July 2026 - The Tana River County Government has intensified preparations for the anticipated El Niño rains expected later this month, with Governor Retired Major Dhadho Godhana directing all county departments to activate emergency response measures to minimise the impact of flooding.
The move comes amid forecasts of above-normal rainfall that have raised concerns among residents still grappling with memories of previous El Niño seasons that left dozens dead, displaced tens of thousands of people and caused widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure and farmland.
In a statement released on Sunday the Governor held a County Cabinet meeting at the County Liaison Office in Nairobi, where he ordered the County Steering Group (CSG) and the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) team to immediately implement contingency plans and coordinate preparedness efforts with national government agencies.
"Tana River is among the counties most affected by floods. Every El Niño season, thousands of families are forced to flee their homes and lose their property," the governor said.
He stressed that early preparedness would be critical in preventing a repeat of the devastation witnessed during previous floods, when the River Tana burst its banks and submerged villages, schools, health facilities, roads and bridges across the county.
According to county records and humanitarian agencies, the last major El Niño caused widespread destruction in Tana River. Dozens of people lost their lives through drowning and outbreaks of waterborne diseases, while tens of thousands were displaced after floodwaters inundated homes for weeks.
The floods also destroyed crops and swept away livestock, leaving many families dependent on humanitarian assistance after seeking refuge in temporary camps in Hola, Bura, Garsen and Baomo.
The county government has identified Tarasaa, Baomo I and II, Tula, Bura East, Dakole, Wayu, Kone and other low-lying settlements along the Tana River as the areas most at risk during the coming rainy season.
Governor Godhana said the county's long-term strategy is to relocate vulnerable communities from flood-prone areas to safer settlements on higher ground.
"Our permanent solution is the construction of cluster settlements to relocate residents from flood-prone areas to safer highland areas," he said.
Meanwhile, the county government is working closely with national government ministries and agencies to ensure a coordinated disaster response should flooding occur.
"We cannot wait for the floods to come. Preparedness now will save lives and property later," the governor added.
The County Steering Group has already been directed to pre-position emergency supplies, including food, non-food items, rescue boats, medical equipment and emergency personnel in identified flood hotspots to facilitate rapid response.
The preparedness efforts are part of a broader national strategy to enhance disaster resilience in counties vulnerable to climate-related emergencies.
Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, ASALs and Regional Development Beatrice Askul Moe has previously said the government is prioritising early warning systems, climate resilience and coordinated disaster response to protect communities living in arid and semi-arid regions.
Humanitarian organisations have welcomed the county's early preparations but continue to call for long-term investments in flood mitigation infrastructure, including dykes, improved drainage systems and planned relocation programmes to reduce recurring losses.
For many residents of Tana River, the approaching rains bring uncertainty and anxiety. County leaders hope that early planning, improved coordination and timely response will prevent a repeat of the humanitarian crisis experienced during previous El Niño seasons and protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.
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