Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority

As Kenya marks 63 years of Madaraka, we celebrate a defining moment in our nation's history—the attainment of internal self-rule and the foundation upon which modern Kenya was built.

This year's theme, "Education, Skills and the Future," reminds us that the next chapter of Kenya's development will be shaped not only by the freedoms secured in 1963, but by our ability to equip present and future generations with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

At the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority, we recognize that sustainable development is ultimately about investing in people. Through strategic water resources management, irrigation development, renewable energy support, environmental conservation, and regional development initiatives, we continue to contribute to creating opportunities that empower communities and strengthen our nation's future.

As we commemorate Madaraka Day, let us reflect on the progress we have made, celebrate the resilience and ingenuity of the Kenyan people, and renew our commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for generations to come.

Happy 63rd Madaraka Day, Kenya.

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE - UTUMISHI GIRLS ACADEMY

The Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority extends its deepest condolences following the tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.

We stand in solidarity with the students, families, teachers and the entire school community during this painful time. The heartbreaking loss and trauma occasioned by this tragedy has deeply saddened the nation.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected as the country mourns alongside the Utumishi Girls Academy fraternity.

May the affected families find strength, comfort and healing in the days ahead.

The Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority extends heartfelt congratulations to Principal Secretary, PS Kello Harsama on your appointment to the State Department for Petroleum. We sincerely appreciate your leadership and the steady stewardship you provided during your tenure at TARDA, which helped advance key institutional priorities and strengthen delivery across our mandate.

At the same time, we warmly welcome P.S. Dr. Caroline Karugu in her acting capacity to the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development. We look forward to continued collaboration and engagement as you take on this important responsibility.

To P.S. Harsama, we wish you every success in your new docket. To Dr. Karugu, we extend our full support as you step into this role.

A LEGACY OF GUIDANCE, LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE

At the recent Board Retreat, the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority, led by Board Chair Dr. Catherine Mutua and Managing Director Mr. Liban Roba paid tribute to Eng. Robinson Gaita as he concluded his distinguished tenure as a Member of the Board, having served from 9th June 2023.

During his term, Eng. Gaita stood out as a voice of wisdom, strategic clarity, and principled leadership. His counsel and dedicated support played a significant role in shaping key institutional decisions and strengthening TARDA’s governance and development agenda during a transformative period for the Authority.

Beyond Boardroom deliberations, he brought deep professionalism, calm leadership, and a genuine commitment to the Authority’s mission of improving livelihoods through sustainable management of the Tana and Athi River Basins. His contribution leaves a lasting imprint on TARDA’s institutional journey.

As we celebrate his remarkable service, we extend our sincere gratitude for the dedication, guidance, and integrity he consistently demonstrated throughout his tenure.

Thank you, Eng. Robinson Gaita, for serving with distinction and purpose. Your impact will be remembered.

🌙 EID MUBARAK FROM TARDA!

As we celebrate the blessed occasion of Idd ul-Adha, the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority extends warm wishes of peace, compassion, sacrifice, and unity to our Muslim Brothers and Sisters and all Kenyans.

This season reminds us of the enduring values of faith, service, generosity, and shared humanity — values that continue to inspire our commitment to building resilient river basins, empowering communities, and sustaining livelihoods across the regions we serve.

May this special celebration bring joy to your homes, peace to our communities, and renewed hope for our nation 🇰🇪.

Eid Mubarak! 🌙✨

🌱TARDA CHAMPIONS NATIONAL DRIVE FOR 15 BILLION TREES DURING MAKIMA DIVISION PLANTING EXERCISE

In a strong demonstration of environmental stewardship and partnership in action, the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority recently took part in a tree planting initiative in Makima Division, aligning with the Presidential directive to grow 15 billion trees by 2032.

TARDA is proud to have supported this initiative by allocating 2,500 assorted tree seedlings for planting across selected public institutions within the Division. In addition, TARDA staff led by Ms. Rebecca Bor actively participated in the planting exercise, reinforcing the Authority’s commitment not just in policy, but on the ground.

This initiative goes beyond symbolism—it strengthens ecosystem restoration, enhances climate resilience, and supports long-term water catchment protection within the Tana Basin and beyond.

At TARDA, environmental conservation is not a side agenda—it is core business. Every seedling planted today is an investment in water security, food systems, and community resilience tomorrow.

🌍FROM DATA TO DEVELOPMENT: POWERING SMARTER RIVER BASIN SOLUTIONS THROUGH INNOVATION

Today, the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority led by Managing Director Mr. Liban Roba, hosted the University of Nairobi C4DLab Innovation Fellows led by Dr. Sam Ruhiu, for a forward-looking engagement focused on leveraging technology, research and data-driven innovation to tackle some of the most pressing regional development challenges within the Tana and Athi River basins.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the fellows to present innovative, home-grown solutions developed through extensive field research, stakeholder consultations and technical analysis following visits to key project areas including the Kinangop Tree Nursery, Njabini Forest Station, the Inter-Basin Transfer Tunnel, Sasumua Dam and the Tana Delta Irrigation Project (TDIP).

Discussions centred on predictive modelling, proactive flood response systems, infrastructure optimization, soil degradation mitigation, water resource management and climate resilience. The team also showcased a prototype dashboard designed to transform complex environmental and hydrological data into practical, actionable insights to support planning, decision-making and sustainable development interventions.

As an Authority mandated to champion integrated regional development, evidence-based advisory and strategic partnerships, TARDA recognizes innovation and collaborative research as critical enablers in strengthening sustainable natural resource management and climate adaptation initiatives.

The feedback and insights shared during the session will help refine the proposed solutions and shape scalable interventions capable of creating meaningful impact for communities across the river basins.

TARDA appreciates the continued collaboration with the University of Nairobi, and commends the C4DLab Innovation Fellows for their ingenuity, dedication and bold vision for the future!

The future of development is intelligent, collaborative and data-driven — and today’s engagement demonstrated exactly what is possible when academia and public institutions align around solutions that matter.

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY 2026 🌍🌱🦋🐝💧🌿

Biodiversity is not a distant environmental conversation. It is the foundation beneath our water systems, food security, climate resilience, forests, wetlands, wildlife, and livelihoods.

This International Day for Biological Diversity 2026, the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority joins the world in embracing the theme: “Acting Locally for Global Impact.”

Across our basins, the choices we make at community level — restoring catchments, protecting rivers, conserving forests, safeguarding pollinators, and promoting sustainable land use — all contribute to a healthier planet and a more resilient future.

At TARDA, we remain committed to ecosystem restoration and integrated sustainable development because protecting biodiversity is ultimately about protecting people, economies, and future generations.

The global impact starts with local action. And local action starts with all of us.

RESTORING RIVERS, ONE BEE PLANT AT A TIME: MORE HIGHLIGHTS FROM TARDA'S COMMEMORATION OF WORLD BEE DAY 2026

In Embu County, went beyond celebration — it became a practical demonstration of ecosystem restoration in action.

TARDA Embu staff, led by Tana Basin Region Coordinator Mr. Joses K. Mugambi, joined the Eastern Region Commissioner Mr. Rotich, regional government officers, and stakeholders in mapping and planting bee-friendly vegetation along River Rupingazi, which borders Embu and Kirinyaga counties.

The initiative forms part of a larger restoration effort that will see 50,000 bee plants established along the river corridor to support pollinator conservation, strengthen riparian ecosystems, and enhance environmental resilience within the basin.

Earlier in the day, TARDA participated in a stakeholders’ engagement at the County Commissioner’s office before joining regional heads and visiting guests in a symbolic tree planting exercise at the Eastern Region Commissioner’s compound.

What makes this initiative significant is that it moves beyond awareness into long-term stewardship. TARDA will oversee the growth, maintenance, and restoration management of the River Rupingazi area, reinforcing our commitment to catchment conservation and sustainable basin management.

Bees may be small, but the ecosystems and livelihoods they sustain are enormous. Protecting pollinators means restoring rivers, strengthening biodiversity, and investing in climate resilience where it matters most — on the ground and within communities.

WHEN BEES THRIVE, COMMUNITIES SURVIVE: TARDA COMMEMORATES WORLD BEE DAY 2026

World Bee Day 2026 was yesterday commemorated at Kanyangi Chief’s Camp in Kitui South Sub-County, as part of wider country celebrations, bringing together communities, government agencies, development partners, conservation actors, and farmers in a shared call to protect pollinators and strengthen sustainable livelihoods.

The event, held under the theme “Bee Together for the People and the Planet – A Partnership that Serves Us All,” highlighted the growing connection between environmental conservation, food security, climate resilience, and community empowerment.

The celebration was graced by the Chief Officer for Livestock as Chief Guest, alongside representatives from the County Government of Kitui, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Interior, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), NCCK, ADRA, Biovision Africa Trust, ADSE, Caritas, MRDP, Dorcas International, World Vision, and other stakeholders committed to sustainable development.

Discussions throughout the day reinforced a simple but critical reality: bees are not just producers of honey — they are frontline workers in our ecosystems. Their role in pollination directly supports agricultural productivity, biodiversity conservation, and food systems that millions depend on. TARDA's own Eresmus Bundi created awareness of the Authority's initiatives towards this noble cause.

The event also created awareness on the threats facing pollinators, including deforestation, climate change, habitat destruction, and unsustainable farming practices, while encouraging communities to embrace modern beekeeping as both an economic opportunity and an environmental solution.

At TARDA, we recognize that protecting pollinators is part of protecting livelihoods, ecosystems, and the future resilience of our communities.

Because when bees disappear, the warning is not ecological alone — it is economic, agricultural, and deeply human.