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Flood alert issued to Kenyans along Tana River basin as Seven Forks dams fill
29th April, 2026 07:25 PM
Residents along the Tana River basin have been put on high alert after the government warned of possible flooding following heavy rains in the Mt Kenya region that have rapidly increased water levels in the Seven Forks dams.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration stated that the situation has been triggered by ongoing heavy rains in the Mt Kenya region, which have significantly increased inflows into key reservoirs along the Tana River cascade.
The government says the situation has been caused by sustained rainfall in the upper Tana catchment, which has led to a sharp rise in water flowing into major reservoirs, including Masinga Dam. With levels continuing to climb, officials fear that downstream communities, especially those in low-lying parts of the Tana Delta, could face flooding if the rains persist.
“To manage the situation, controlled water releases are already taking place at Kamburu, Gitaru, and Kindaruma dams,” the ministry said in a statement.
However, there are concerns that if the Kiambere Dam reaches its limit, more water may have to be released, increasing pressure on areas further downstream. Counties likely to be affected include Garissa, Tana River, and parts of coastal regions such as Garsen, where residents have experienced flooding in the past. Authorities say river levels are expected to keep rising between April 29 and May 1, 2026, with the peak risk projected between May 2 and May 3.
“The highest risk period is expected between May 2 and May 3, when water levels could peak and cause widespread flooding,” the statement warned.
Residents have been urged to act early to avoid loss of life and property. Among the measures recommended are moving to higher ground, relocating livestock, and securing household items before the situation worsens.
Officials have also cautioned against crossing flooded rivers or attempting to walk through fast-moving water, noting that such actions can be deadly. Emergency teams have been put on standby, and the government is calling on residents to follow guidance from local administrators and disaster response units.
