Kenyan Govt to construct 57 dams across the country

The national government plans to construct 57 dams across the country in a bid to increase water coverage from current 60 to 80 per cent.

Water and Sanitation CS Samuel Chelugui said the move will ensure that many Kenyans have clean drinking water in their homes and enough for domestic use.

He added that his ministry will play a critical role in realization of the Big Four agenda in the next four years.

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“The government can no longer supply Kenyans with water from rivers which is insufficient and there is need to improve dams in the country for water storage and conservation purposes,” CS Chelugui said.

He was speaking after commissioning a Ksh.2.2billion water project in Embu.

A feasibility study of proposed dam sites is to be conducted as construction tenders are awarded to successful bidders.

Area Governor Martin Wambora noted that a partnership with Embu Water and Sanitation Company Limited (EWASCO) will see three dams along River Rupingazi and Thuci serve over 600,000 residents.

He added that the Ksh.2.2 billion project spearheaded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) would also involve relocation of the Embu sewage plant.

The move is to create leeway for expansion of Embu Town which is hampered as the sewer is currently located within the central business district.

On his part, CS Chelugui intimated that the government will soon award a tender for Mwache Dam which will serve Mombasa County and its environs.

In Nakuru County, the Water Ministry expects Itare dam to be completed within the stipulated time, he added.

“Tharaka Nithi County will have the High Fall dam that will serve residents of Tharaka and Garissa and also boast irrigation farming in Galala Kulalu irrigation scheme in Tana River County,” Chelugui said.

Other dams include Maragua which will serve residents of Nairobi, Thika, Ruiru and Juja; Kanjuri Dam is to provide water for Meru County residents.

Chelugui also revealed that the other dams like Chemasusu in Baringo and others in Bomet will be rolled out.