Residents of Assa location fetching water from underground pits to water their animals on Tuesday, January, 20, 2026. Public Service and Special Programs Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku who toured the area in the company of Garsen MP Ali Wario has directed the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) to desilt water pans in the area to harvest rain and flood waters. Photo by Ben Okweingoti. 
By Ben Okweingoti
The prolonged drought ravaging parts of Tana River County has compelled the national government to move in swiftly to ease the humanitarian crisis facing residents.
Speaking during a tour of Assa location—one of the worst affected areas—the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, said government agencies mandated to respond to disasters were already on the ground assessing the situation before rolling out long-term and short-term interventions.
Ruku said the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) has been tasked with identifying suitable areas for the construction of large dams and water pans to harvest rain and flood water, which would help communities cope during harsh climatic periods.
“I have directed NDMA to look for funds to desilt Assa Dam and other water pans so that we can harvest enough rain and flood water for use during drought,” he said.
Garsen Member of Parliament Ali Wario said residents in the affected areas were in urgent need of relief food and appealed to both levels of government, as well as well-wishers, to intervene.
“Due to the drought and harsh climatic conditions, residents are living in scattered settlements. In Assa Division, we have secured 200 bags of rice and 200 bags of beans, while supplies for Kone and Bombi divisions will be stored and transported within the next two days,” Mr Wario said.
Wayu Ward Member of County Assembly Maka Jarso warned that the situation was dire, noting that more than 20,000 residents in Galedertu Sub-County alone were at risk of starvation.
“The drought has hit us hard. Our animals are dying, and we lack both food and water. We urgently need food aid,” said Mr Jarso.
However, some residents accused the Tana River County government of neglecting their plight. Baloni Barisa, a resident of Assa, lamented the severe water shortage, saying families were struggling to access even the most basic needs.
“I have not bathed for three days because my wife has to walk more than six kilometres to fetch water. The little water she gets is only enough for cooking due to congestion at the only remaining water pan,” he said.
The drought has continued to threaten livelihoods in the region, with leaders and residents calling for immediate relief support alongside sustainable water and food security solutions.
