Govt Orders Urgent Evacuation for Residents Near Kiambere Dam Amid Overflow Threat
The Ministry of Interior has issued an urgent evacuation advisory to residents living downstream of Kiambere Dam, warning of an imminent risk of flooding due to rising water levels. The directive, issued on Friday, May 16, by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, affects residents in Garissa, Hola, Garsen, and the lower Tana River basin.
According to the statement, the ongoing heavy rains in Mt. Kenya and Aberdare catchment areas have caused a dangerous increase in water inflow into the dam. The PS noted that the situation could quickly escalate into uncontrolled flooding if immediate precautions are not taken.
“Under the prevailing circumstances, we hereby issue an immediate voluntary evacuation directive to all communities living downstream of the multipurpose reservoir,” said Omollo.
Residents close to the dam’s spillway zones—particularly those in Garissa and Tana River counties—are considered most at risk. The Interior Ministry is urging these communities to move to higher ground without delay to avoid being swept away should the dam overflow.
Emergency protocols are already underway. The National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) is working in tandem with local Disaster Response Committees and key partners in the private sector to coordinate evacuation and safety measures. Meanwhile, the Kenya Red Cross Society and the Kenya Coast Guard Service have been placed on high alert for possible rescue missions.
Controlled spillages are being carried out to maintain the structural integrity of the dam, with hydropower operators and engineers monitoring inflow and outflow patterns closely. In the event of large-scale displacement, the government has begun securing temporary shelters in schools, churches, and other public facilities across the affected counties.
PS Omollo assured the public that public health teams have been mobilised to offer humanitarian assistance, including emergency food, medical aid, and sanitation supplies. He emphasized the importance of early action, warning that waiting until the situation worsens could result in avoidable loss of life.
“We are calling upon all affected residents to heed the warning and evacuate now. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” he urged.
With Kenya Meteorological Department projections indicating that the rainfall is likely to persist, communities living near riverbanks and low-lying regions are advised to stay alert and follow updates from local administrators and weather authorities.
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Govt Orders Urgent Evacuation for Residents Near Kiambere Dam Amid Overflow Threat