Vanishing waters: Why River Tana's decline spells disaster for millions

River Tana. (Courtesy) At the heart of Mororo Township, the famous Makuti Restaurant offers an impressive view of the riverine landscape. Scattered riparian vegetation, an array of birdlife, and the ever-welcoming local communities paint a picturesque scene. However, beyond this natural beauty lies a stark reality-Kenya's longest river, the Tana, is drying up at an alarming rate. A closer look at the riverbed reveals a distressing sight. Women and children risk their lives, digging deep into the parched ground. "Digging the river for what?" one might ask. The answer is simple yet troubling: the once-mighty River Tana, stretching over 1,000 kilometres, has shrunk to a historic low. According to hydrologists, the river's flow has reduced by approximately 40 per cent. Given that the Tana serves millions of people with diverse needs, this massive water depletion threatens food security, energy production, and livelihoods. Climatologists attribute the dramatic decline in water levels to scientific factors. Environmentalist Reuben Alembi, based in Mororo, explains that extreme heat accelerates evapotranspiration, causing glaciers atop Mount Kenya to wither. "Glacier reduction is one of the main reasons behind River Tana's declining water levels," he noted. Temperatures in the region have soared to 39 degrees Celsius, with little to no rainfall in Tana and neighbouring Garissa counties. Residents are bearing the brunt of the heatwave and its dire consequences. On his part, Makuti Restaurant CEO Stanley Kabwe points to erratic rainfall patterns as a major contributor to the river's diminishing waters. "Previously, by March 10, we used to experience heavy rains in Meru. This year, only moderate showers arrived on March 17," he said. Kabwe describes River Tana's journey from its headwaters in the Aberdare Mountains and snow-capped Mount Kenya to Kipini on the coast. The river snakes through 700 kilometres of arid land, limiting its capacity to retain significant water levels. "Not in this ongoing dry spell, with the blistering sun rapidly evaporating any surface water," lamented Kabwe. The lower Tana Basin's ecosystem is withering, desperate for relief. Garissa hotelier Augustine Ruto observes that the bone-dry riverbed is a stark indicator of how climate change has disrupted the region's ecological balance. The consequences are severe, affecting energy production, food supply, and the survival of vulnerable communities. Human and animal toll Under normal circumstances, River Tana flows at 5,000 million cubic metres (MCM). However, a 40 per cent reduction has severely impacted residents in multiple ways. Since the river supplies 70 per cent of Kenya's hydroelectric power, the likelihood of power outages is high. Beyond energy concerns, the dwindling water levels threaten domestic use, fisheries, agriculture, biodiversity, and the raw materials that sustain the local economy. Water availability also plays a critical role in maintaining peace among farmers and pastoralists. Former administrative officer Mohammed Lokha warns of escalating tensions. "In the absence of water and pasture, with temperatures hitting 39 degrees Celsius, coexistence is no longer assured," he cautioned. Farmers with water pumps are now forced to operate at minimal capacity, struggling to extract water from the remaining patches of the river. "The water shortage has devastated riverside farms, drying up crops," said Mohammed Abdi, a pastoralist and riparian farmer. A recent Nutrition and Health NGO report revealed that 33 per cent of households in Tana's 315,000 population face food insecurity. This dire situation forces residents to walk over ten kilometres in search of water, further jeopardising their well-being. Low water levels have also emboldened crocodiles, making children easy prey as they venture in for a swim. "The residents and their already weakened livestock are regularly attacked by crocodiles," said Ruto. He recounted a tragic incident on March 11, 2025, when a crocodile killed a 10-year-old boy. Adding to the ecological imbalance, hippopotamuses are venturing far into the hinterland in search of pasture, increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflict. "It's either the hippo gets killed or humans become the unfortunate victims," Ruto lamented. As the water recedes, stagnant puddles emerge, bringing with them a new ecological threat. "A new form of growth is taking over the puddles," said Prof. Leo Ogalo, Dean at Great Lakes University in Kisumu City. "These water pools are now infested with harmful algae that not only block sunlight but also deplete oxygen levels, suffocating marine life," he explained. Ruto proposes that mitigating climate change and promoting hardy livestock, such as camels and goats, could make a difference. "At least they provide subsistence milk to combat malnutrition and a potential source of income," agreed Abdi, advocating for an economic shift away from fragile cattle breeds. Former Nema senior regional officer Dr Mohamud Hashir Ali stresses the need for effective mitigation measures against the region's recurring droughts and flash floods. "Laghas-dry river valleys in semi-arid areas like Tana County-hold millions of tonnes of water that often go to waste," Ali noted. Heavy rainfall frequently transforms these valleys into destructive torrents before they merge with major rivers like the Tana and Ewaso Nyiro. Ali believes that harnessing this water could significantly enhance food security in the drought-stricken region.

Vanishing waters: Why River Tana's decline spells disaster for millions

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