Vanishing waters: Why River Tana's decline spells disaster for millions

River Tana. (Courtesy)

At the heart of Mororo Township, the famous Makuti Restaurant offers an impressive view of the riverine landscape. Scattered riparian vegetation, an array of birdlife, and the ever-welcoming local communities paint a picturesque scene.

However, beyond this natural beauty lies a stark reality—Kenya’s longest river, the Tana, is drying up at an alarming rate.

A closer look at the riverbed reveals a distressing sight. Women and children risk their lives, digging deep into the parched ground. “Digging the river for what?” one might ask. The answer is simple yet troubling: the once-mighty River Tana, stretching over 1,000 kilometres, has shrunk to a historic low.