TANA RIVER — The Kenyan government has stepped up emergency relief operations in Tana River County, where flooding displaced thousands of residents. More than 2,000 households have received food, basic household items, and non-food supplies as part of a nationwide response effort.
On Monday, Principal Secretary for Special Programmes Ismail Maalim led the latest phase of aid delivery, distributing relief worth over KSh60 million in Garsen, Bura, and Galole. The support package includes food, bedding, and hygiene essentials for families directly affected by rising water levels across the region.
“This mission is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to support communities affected by recent floods,” Maalim said during a stop in Garsen. “We are making sure no vulnerable household is left behind.”
He was joined by Principal Secretary for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development, Harsame Kero, and elected officials from the affected constituencies. The team visited displaced families and inspected the distribution process to ensure aid reached those in greatest need.
Flooding in Tana River County, triggered by prolonged rainfall and swollen riverbanks, has disrupted lives across multiple villages. Over 6,000 families have been affected since late April, according to data from local authorities. While water levels are now receding, damage to homes, farms, and roads remains extensive.
Maalim said the joint national and county government response had already reached a third of the affected population and more aid would follow. “We are coordinating closely with other agencies to scale up relief delivery and ensure an effective recovery process,” he added.
The visit also included a review of ongoing support programs. Residents were urged to enroll in the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, which provides affordable medical services, and the NYOTA program, which offers vocational training and small business support for youth.
“Our presence here is not just about distributing aid,” Maalim said. “It’s a message that government stands with its people in hardship and in hope. We will continue to walk this journey together.”
The relief effort aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the government’s broader strategy to improve local resilience and support inclusive growth.
Local leaders welcomed the assistance, describing it as timely and necessary. Recovery efforts are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with a focus on infrastructure repair and restoring access to essential services.
Officials said they will continue to monitor the situation and conduct needs assessments to guide further response. No fatalities have been reported in connection to the floods, but displaced families remain in temporary shelters, awaiting longer-term recovery plans.
