Relief as perennial flood victims in Tana River relocate to new housing units

From a makeshift structure to a permanent home, Mwanahamisi Halako is among the beneficiaries at Mwina village in Tana River County embarking on a new chapter of life with permanent relocation. This initiative ends years of displacement caused by recurrent river flooding.

It was a dream come true as 15 new housing units were officially handed over to flood victims on Sunday in an initiative supported by the Tana Peace Initiative, in partnership with the county government and donor agencies.

"I can’t hide my joy. It is the beginning of a new life," said Mwanahamisi. "I was born and raised on the riverbanks, where my parents farmed. Flooding during the rainy season used to be minimal but has worsened in recent years, causing loss of life and property in the village. When we received a proposal for permanent relocation, some of us accepted it. This marks a new beginning."

Mwanahamisi Halako, a beneficiary at Mwina village in Tana River County. (Issa Hussein)

Mwanahamisi explained that the new house provides a sense of dignity for her family of eight, who previously lived in a makeshift shelter after floods destroyed their mud-walled house.

Another beneficiary, Said Salim, expressed similar joy as his family relocated to the new Mwina cluster housing units in Garsen North Ward.

Salim described the hardships they faced due to perennial flooding, particularly during the El Niño rains of October–December 2023 and the April–May 2024 rains, which displaced hundreds of families in Tana River and neighbouring Garissa County.

"As a riverine community, we were raised with a farming lifestyle along the riverbanks, which was our main livelihood. Many people are still hesitant about relocating, fearing a disconnect from their traditional way of life. I urge them to join us in this new beginning and embrace life away from the riverbanks," Salim said.

Salim Said, a beneficiary at his new residence. (Issa Hussein)

He called on the county government and donor agencies to establish crop farming projects for the relocated families to support sustainable livelihoods.

Shevu Dirivo, a community elder, praised the initiative but urged the construction of more housing units to accommodate other families willing to escape the cycle of displacement caused by flooding.

Mwanajuma Hiribae, the acting Tana River County Secretary, who represented Governor Maj. (Rtd) Dhadho Godhana, highlighted the significance of the project, which she said would transform the lives of a community repeatedly displaced by River Tana floods.

"Mwina Cluster combines eight villages across Garsen North Ward. It has been developed as a haven to relocate the community to higher ground, away from the recurring floods that have caused significant losses of lives and property for years," she said.

"This programme is a major step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of our people. It reflects our commitment to creating sustainable settlements, especially for those affected by flooding."

Beneficiaries settle in the new units. (Issa Hussein)

Mwanajuma also revealed that the county government has outlined plans for additional infrastructure in the area, including a health centre, school, police station, fire station, and public park, to ensure the community has access to essential services and lives in a healthy environment.

To help relocated families maintain their farming lifestyles, the county government has donated fruit and vegetable seeds for cultivation on a 73-acre minor irrigation scheme.

She noted that over 800 other families have expressed interest in relocating to the Mwina Cluster, and the county government is calling for more donor support to assist flood victims.

Harrison Moroa of the Tana Peace Initiative highlighted the long-term benefits of the project, describing it as a life-changing effort to end the suffering of families frequently displaced by floods.

"We are proud to be part of this project, which serves as a turning point. The joint partnership demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing the challenges of climate change," Moroa said.

Dominic Kpalya from Act Change Transform (ACT) expressed hope that their collaboration with partners would continue to develop Mwina Cluster and other areas in Tana River County facing similar displacement challenges.

The Kenya Red Cross Society reported that Tana River County had the highest number of displacement camps during the 2024 floods.