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Drought-hit Tana River now braces for floods
Resident of Hirimani Villlage water their animals at a watering hole in Jirfa area on February 13, 2026.
What you need to know:
- Drought in Tana River, a largely pastoralist region, has affected both human and livestock.
- Hundreds of cattle have died since late 2025, as thousands others remain emaciated.
As drought continues to ravage Tana River County, Governor Dhadho Godhana has urged stakeholders to begin early preparations for floods.
Mr Godhana warned that heavy rainfall in the highland areas could trigger devastating flooding downstream, affecting communities in Tana River.
In an advisory issued on Tuesday, February 24, the Kenya Meteorological Department stated that isolated rainfall was likely to continue in several parts of the country, including the Central Highlands, Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the South Eastern Lowlands, the Coast, Western and North Western Kenya.
An earlier advisory dated February 20 had already listed Tana River among the Coastal counties likely to experience flash floods, even in specific areas that may not receive significant local rainfall.
“The floods may occur even in areas that have not received heavy rainfall, particularly in low lying zones or downstream along river courses. We urge members of the public not to drive or walk through flowing water or across flooded sections,” the advisory stated.
The impacts of such weather patterns are already being felt in Narok County, where the Kenya National Highways Authority has warned motorists regarding the damaged Mogor Bridge along the road connecting Kilgoris and Lolgorian.
Speaking at Chewani village during the induction of the newly elected top leadership of the Methodist Church, Governor Godhana emphasised the need for the National Government, County Government and other stakeholders to join efforts in combating the looming floods that threaten many livelihoods during such seasons.
“We are at a crisis level according to experts. Weather experts have told us that there will be little rain here but more rain upcountry. We therefore expect floods downstream, which we must prepare for,” Governor Godhana said.
The Governor said explained that a multi-agency approach to addressing both the ongoing drought and the looming floods would ensure efficiency during these two contrasting seasons and maintain accountability in intervention measures.
A cow's carcass out in the open in Hirimani area, Tana River County on February 13, 2026. The current drought has caused the deaths to hundreds of livestock in the county.
The governor added that his administration, in conjunction with the national government, is continuing with food distribution to the people of Tana River to alleviate the effects of the harsh drought currently being experienced.
“We have talked and agreed with the National Government to mitigate the drought situation collectively. There is an ongoing relief food distribution exercise in several areas, and we have ordered more supplies which are on the way,” the governor said.
He further noted that the coordination involves a wide array of partners to ensure no gaps in the response.
“We have assigned duties to all agencies involved in the mitigation. The county government, National Government, Kenya Red Cross, National Drought Management Authority and other partners know what to do, where and when.”
Governor Godhana reiterated that his administration remains committed to ensuring that residents are able to navigate the severe climate shocks experienced in the far-flung county.
The drought in Tana River, a largely pastoralist region, has affected both human and livestock. Hundreds of cattle have died since late 2025, as thousands others remain emaciated.
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