Tana River Invests Sh2.77bn in Water Projects, Targets Universal Coverage by 2030
By Caroline Katana
Tana River County has invested more than Sh2.77 billion in water infrastructure, with Governor Dhadho Godhana targeting universal water coverage by 2030.
Deputy Governor Ali Mahdi Loka, who represented Godhana during the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations at Hola Stadium on Tuesday, delivered the governor’s speech outlining the county’s development priorities.
Godhana said the county had constructed more than 1,000 boreholes and shallow wells, 138 water pans and eight major surface-water structures since he took office.
“Our target is to achieve universal water coverage by 2030,” he said.
The governor also highlighted investments in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, healthcare and sports under this year’s Mashujaa Day theme, Security, Sports and the Economy.
Godhana said the county had distributed 80 tonnes of assorted seeds, including maize, rice, green grams and vegetable seeds, alongside agrochemicals to support farmers.
The administration had also distributed 5,000 coconut seedlings to promote climate-smart agriculture and diversify household incomes.
More than 6,000 farmers are expected to benefit from 6,000 hermetic bags, 250 grain silos, 250 tarpaulins and moisture metres.
The county has also provided 60 solar-powered pumps and two piston-lister diesel pumps.
To modernise farming, the administration has procured a tractor and a sprayer drone.
It has also established a County Irrigation Development Unit to support the development and rehabilitation of small-scale irrigation schemes.
In the livestock sector, the county has constructed milk cooling centres in Bangale and Garsen.
The Bangale facility primarily handles camel milk, while the Garsen centre supports milk pasteurisation and improved market access.
The administration has also introduced improved indigenous chicken breeds, with some cocks weighing up to four kilogrammes.
In apiculture, the county distributed 4,000 modern beehives to 100 groups.
The groups have harvested more than 3,000 kilogrammes of honey through their cooperative and are pursuing value addition through products such as candles and cakes.
Godhana said the interventions were intended to increase productivity, strengthen food security and improve household incomes.
The governor said the Tana River, its delta ecosystem and the county’s 76-kilometre Indian Ocean coastline offered significant opportunities for fisheries and the Blue Economy.
Through the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) project, supported by the World Bank and the national government, the Kipini Fish Landing Site is undergoing a major infrastructure upgrade.
The project is expected to improve fish handling, preservation and processing while reducing post-harvest losses.
The county has also constructed a Fisheries Office in Minjila to bring extension services, licensing and technical support closer to fishing communities.
The administration has procured three patrol and rescue boats and delivered more than 33 boats to Common Interest Groups through KEMFSED.
More than 100,000 fish fingerlings have also been delivered to designated dams and facilities across the county.
The county is working with relevant agencies to strengthen Beach Management Units, promote responsible fishing and protect breeding grounds.
Godhana said sustainable management of the Malindi-Ungwana Bay prawn fishery was essential to ensure local communities continued benefiting from the resource.
“Our Blue Economy agenda is about creating jobs, reducing losses, improving market access and turning our aquatic wealth into lasting prosperity,” he said.
Tana River has received its first disbursement of more than US$1.3 million under the Kenya Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (K-WASH) Programme, which has a projected allocation of Sh3.5 billion over five years.
The county has undertaken water projects in Madogo, Kipao, Buyani, Gatundu, Tarasaa, Wenje-Vukoni and Tana Kurole.
It has also rehabilitated the Chardende and Kaabso water facilities.
Godhana urged residents to protect public water infrastructure against vandalism, theft and illegal connections.
“These facilities belong to our communities, and safeguarding them is a shared responsibility,” he said.
The county has digitised 20 of its 57 health facilities and targets completing the process by the end of 2026.
At Madogo Health Centre, the administration has established a new maternity wing and maternity theatre.
It is also working to upgrade Madogo and Garsen health centres from Level 3 to Level 4 facilities.
At Hola County Referral Hospital, the county has constructed an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and a High Dependency Unit.
Godhana pledged to purchase two fully equipped ICU beds for the hospital before the end of the year.
“These investments will strengthen maternal care, emergency services and the treatment of critically ill patients,” he said.
Godhana said security agencies had stepped up efforts to maintain peace.
He reported that the county had not experienced Al-Shabaab attacks or community conflicts during the period under review.
However, he said lasting peace required cooperation between security agencies and local communities.
“Peace cannot be sustained through enforcement alone. It requires cooperation between security agencies, community leaders, elders, religious institutions, parents and young people,” he said.
The governor cited a recent meeting with young people from Handampia to discuss insecurity and explore lasting solutions.
He said the administration would continue involving young people in addressing challenges affecting their communities.
“Our young people must be partners in building peace, not casualties of crime, violence or exploitation,” he said.
The county is using sports to nurture talent, promote inclusion and create opportunities for young people.
Tana River finished second in football and seventh overall at the Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association Games held in Laikipia County.
The county is preparing for the Kenya Inter-County Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) Games scheduled for November 22–29, 2026, in West Pokot.
It will also participate in the Northern Nomadic Counties Disabled Persons Organization (NONDO) Games in Isiolo, which include desert wheelchair racing.
Godhana said the annual Governor’s Cup would be held in December to bring together football teams from across the county.
The administration has constructed a basketball court near Garden Primary School in Tana Delta.
Each of the county’s 15 wards also has at least one playground.
“Our goal is to make sports a sustainable pathway to talent development, employment, inclusion and economic growth,” he said.
During the celebrations, Godhana recognised individuals and institutions for their contributions to education, agriculture and scholarship.
Shadrack Thomas Falama, Hassan Osman Juma and Mohammed Tokal Moroa were honoured for authoring and publishing books.
Faith Buya, the County Chief Officer in charge of the Department of Agriculture and Crop Production, was recognised for her work in transforming the department.
Arap Moi Primary School was honoured for its performance at the 2026 Kenya Music and Cultural Festival, while Galole Model Senior School was recognised for its performance in national examinations.
In his speech, Godhana called on residents to rise above political, ethnic and social divisions and work together to advance development.
“The greatest tribute to our heroes and heroines is to continue building the Kenya they fought for,” he said.
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