TARDA steps up flood protection works in Tana delta
The Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) is accelerating flood mitigation works at the Tana Delta Irrigation Project as ongoing rains in Tana River County renew concerns over the vulnerability of communities and agricultural infrastructure along the floodplains.
TARDA Managing Director Liban Roba Duba recently led an inspection of rehabilitation works along the Eastern and Western Flood Protection Dykes to assess progress and establish whether the interventions are on course to strengthen protection during the rainy season.
The inspection focused on completed sections, outstanding works and measures required to speed up implementation while maintaining engineering standards. The authority is also undertaking drainage restoration within the project estate to improve stormwater movement and reduce the risk of localised flooding.
Along the Eastern Dyke, contractors have made progress restoring vulnerable sections, repairing breached areas and improving drainage. Remaining activities include finishing works and structural compaction intended to strengthen the rehabilitated sections and improve their durability.
On the Western Dyke, earthworks and site preparation are continuing ahead of further protection measures, including riverbank stabilisation to reduce erosion and scouring. These interventions are important in strengthening sections exposed to the movement of floodwaters.
The rehabilitation follows previous damage to infrastructure at the irrigation project caused by heavy rains. In October 2024, the authority reported that it had undertaken repairs to the main dyke, desilted the water canal and repaired the Kitere intake as part of efforts to restore the project.
TARDA’s 2025 newsletter also documented the completion of stabilisation works at Kelona Brook, where flood damage had affected critical embankments. The intervention included desilting, installation of gabion protection structures and reinforcement of embankments to reduce the risk of water flowing back from the Tana River.
The Tana Delta Irrigation Project covers parts of Tana River and Lamu counties, with a planned development area of approximately 31,000 hectares. Its first phase includes 2,000 hectares developed for rice production, supported by water delivery canals, farm infrastructure and flood protection dykes.
According to TARDA, rehabilitation and expansion of the project are expected to support rice production, restore water supply for domestic and livestock use and improve livelihoods in surrounding villages. However, damage to canals and flood protection infrastructure remains among the challenges affecting the project’s development.
The wider region is also strengthening preparedness for climate-related emergencies. In August 2026, Tana River County launched a pilot Anticipatory Action Dashboard to improve coordination and preparedness for hazards including floods and drought.
The latest inspection highlights the importance of maintaining protective infrastructure before extreme weather events occur. For communities and farmers in the Tana Delta, stronger dykes and improved drainage are essential to protecting productive land, reducing flood-related disruptions and supporting the long-term recovery of irrigation activities.
Currently selected font size: Default
