The Ministry of Interior has ordered Kenyans living downstream of Kiambere Dam to vacate the area due to potential flooding.
According to the statement issued on Friday, May 16, Garissa, Hola, and Garsen will be affected.
Residents living in the lower Tana River basin were also targeted in the notice.
The Ministry explained that the water levels at the dam were rising and had begun to overflow.
This is expected to lead to flooding downstream.
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“Under the prevailing circumstances, we hereby issue an immediate voluntary evacuation directive to all communities living downstream of the multipurpose reservoir,” read the statement in part.
“Residents living downstream and those within the proximity of the spillway zones, particularly those in Garissa and Tana River counties, are at greater risk. We urge these communities to move to higher ground without delay."
Earlier, senior government officials from the Ministry of Energy and KenGen toured the dams to monitor the water levels.
It was noted that the water levels were rising, given the recent rains.
"Masinga and Kiambere dams have exceeded full supply levels, leading to natural overflows.
"KenGen has issued alerts to communities along the Tana River and intensified hydro generation to support grid stability and flood control efforts," KenGen added in its statement
