GARISSA – Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane hosted a high-level delegation from Nature Kenya, led by Dr. Caroline Ng’weno and Rudolf Makhanu, to discuss the forthcoming construction of the High Grand Falls Dam on the Tana River on Friday.
The meeting focused on critical issues including county border dynamics, environmental impacts on the Tana Delta, and the need for strong intergovernmental collaboration to ensure sustainable development.
Nature Kenya, formally known as the East Africa Natural History Society (EANHS) Africa’s oldest environmental society founded in 1909 provided expert insights on the ecological consequences of large-scale water infrastructure.
The organization emphasized the importance of adopting environmentally sound planning to safeguard biodiversity, local livelihoods, and fragile ecosystems.
Garissa County Secretary Mohamud Mursal and CECM for Water and Environment Ahmed Ibrahim also attended the discussions.
The Deputy Governor reaffirmed Garissa County’s unwavering commitment to protecting community interests while aligning with national development goals.
“We recognize the importance of this project but remain firm in our commitment to ensuring that development is inclusive, sustainable, and respects the ecological and social fabric of the Tana River basin,” said Mr. Dagane.
The proposed High Grand Falls Dam will be constructed across the Tana River, approximately 186 kilometers northwest of Lamu Town.
Designed to hold an estimated 5.6 billion cubic meters of water, the multipurpose project aims to supply water for irrigation, domestic use, and generate up to 700 megawatts of hydroelectric power.
The dam is expected to boost economic activity at the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor through improved agriculture and livestock management enabled by consistent water supply.
The site holds cultural and mythical significance as well. Local legend tells of Kibuuka, an immortal warrior believed to have vanished into the Tana River, becoming one with the water.
The convergence of the Thagana and Tana Rivers at the majestic Kibuuka Grand Falls, where water cascades in nine separate falls, is considered a spiritual and natural marvel by many in the region.
