Jama criticises dam water release, warns of flooding crisis

 Garissa Governor Nathif Jama speaking to the press after opening the livestock vaccine storage unit./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has warned that the planned release of excess water from Masinga Dam will cause serious flooding downstream if mitigation measures are not put in place.

Speaking to the press in Garissa town on Saturday, Jama warned that releasing the water could expose thousands of residents to devastating floods.

On Friday last week, authorities issued urgent flood warnings due to the release of excess water from the Seven Forks Dam on the Tana River.

The Masinga Dam reached its full capacity on April 28, forcing the start of controlled water releases, which will impact downstream communities

Governor Jama said the national government appears to be proceeding with the water release without a clear plan to protect downstream communities, many of whom are still recovering from the effects of previous spillages.

“We are deeply concerned that the national government is proceeding without a clear mitigation plan for communities downstream. This exposes our people to serious flood risks, yet we have repeatedly witnessed the destruction caused by such releases,” Jama said.

Garissa Governor Nathif cuts the ribbon to open the livestock vaccine storage unit in Garissa. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

He urged the national government to shift from short-term emergency responses to sustainable, long-term solutions.

“We need lasting interventions, not just warnings when water is about to be released. This includes the construction of additional dams downstream and the development of canal diversion systems to manage excess water more effectively,” he said.

Garissa county, especially parts of Balambala and Fafi subcounties, has long borne the brunt of dam spillages, with the Tana River frequently bursting its banks during periods of heavy rainfall and water releases upstream.

The impact has been particularly severe on riverine communities and farmers who depend on the fertile floodplains for their livelihoods.

In past incidents, homes have been submerged, crops destroyed, and livestock swept away, leaving families displaced and dependent on relief aid.

Entire villages, including neighbouring Mororo, have experienced repeated cycles of loss, with some residents yet to fully rebuild from previous floods.

Local farmers say the situation has become a recurring crisis that threatens food security and economic stability in the region.

Mohamud Hussein, chairman of the Garissa Farmers Network, called on the government to take decisive action to prevent further suffering.

“We cannot continue like this, losing lives and livelihoods every time there is excess water. The national government must find ways of diverting these waters because what we have seen over the years is destruction, people displaced, farms wiped out, and huge losses for communities in Garissa,” Hussein said.

He added: “As we speak, anxiety is building among residents and farmers alike. Failure to act could result in yet another humanitarian crisis."

He said most farmers in Garissa, Balambala, and Fafi subcounties rely on farming along the riverbanks, making them particularly vulnerable whenever water levels rise.

Proper planning and infrastructure would not only prevent disasters but also allow the region to harness the water for irrigation and economic growth, he said.