Tana River County: Background Information

Tana River County takes its name from River Tana which is the longest river in Kenya. It covers an area of 35,375.8 square kilometers (13,658.7 sq. mi) and a population of 262,684 according to the 2012 census (county government of Tana River, 2015). The administrative headquarter of the county is Hola. The County has three sub-counties; Tana North, Tana Delta and Tana River, it borders Kitui County to the West, Garissa County to the North East, Isiolo County to the North, Lamu County to the South East and Kilifi County to the South.

The county is generally dry and prone to drought. Rainfall is erratic, with rainy seasons in March–May and October – December. Riverine forest, woodland, grassland, bush lands, lakes, open river channels, sand dunes, mangroves and coastal waters contribute to making Tana River County one of the most ecologically diverse habitats and a tourist attraction in the country (county edition Kenya, 2012).

Besides the Tana River, there are several seasonal rivers, popularly known as ‘lagas’ in the district. These are found in the area west of River Tana in northeastern part of the county. These rivers flow in a west-east direction from Kitui, Makueni and Mwingi County draining into River Tana and eventually into the Indian Ocean.

The dominant ethnic groups are the Pokomo, many of whom are farmers, and the Orma and Wardey, who are predominantly nomadic. Other tribes include the Waata and Boni who are culturally Hunters and gatherers, the Wailwana /Malakote and the Bajuni.