Infrastructure
List of Ongoing Mega Dam Projects in Kenya
Sh700bn worth of mega dams are currently in the pipeline.
Kenya is undertaking its most ambitious dam construction mission to date, aiming to address water shortage issues while enhancing food security and hydropower generation.
Since 2013, the Kenyan government has either signed or planned to sign deals valued at more than Sh700 billion for the construction of mega dams in various parts of the country.
Dam construction
Through various State agencies, the government is building at least five mega dams in Kenya at a cost of more than Sh156bn in deals that were signed after the Jubilee administration took over leadership in 2013.
The dams include Thwake Dam at the border of Makueni and Kitui – coming up at a cost of Sh82bn; Itare Dam in Nakuru – at Sh28bn; and Karimenu Dam in Gatundu – at Sh24bn.
The list of dams in Kenya also includes Thiba Dam in Kirinyaga – at Sh16bn; Muruny (Siyoi) Dam in West Pokot – at Sh5bn; and a Sh1.2bn dam in Nyeri.
The Ministry of Water and Sanitation has also signed deals for the construction of Sh20bn Bosto Dam in Bomet, Sh17bn Ruiru II dam in Kiambu, and Sh20bn Mwache Dam in Kwale.
The State will also spend billions of shillings to build Soin Koru Dam at the border of Kisumu and Kericho; Ndarugu Dam in Kiambu, and Malewa Dam in Nyandarua.
Mwache Dam and Soin Koru Dam will be among the largest dams in Kenya.
Other imminent dams include Kabazi Dam in Nakuru, Kithino Dam in Meru, Crocodile Jaws Dam in Isiolo, Bute Dam in Wajir, Amaya Dam in Baringo, and Londiani Dam in Kericho.
Stalled dam projects
Topping the list of stalled dam projects in Kenya are the Arror and Kimwarer, which were to be built by Italian firm CMC di Ravenna at a cost of Sh38bn and Sh28bn, respectively.
The two mega-dam projects failed to take off last year amid claims of irregularities and improprieties that resulted in the sacking of a Cabinet Secretary and his Principal Secretary.
The construction of High Grand Falls Dam on River Tana is also yet to begin – two years after GBM Engineering won a tender to fund, design, build, operate, and transfer the Sh200bn dam.
This is expected to be the largest dam in Kenya.
Planned projects
The Lake Basin Development Authority has announced plans to build two dams in Nyamira; and Nandi for Sh136 billion.
The Magwagwa Dam will cost Sh86bn, while Nandi Forest Dam will cost Sh50bn.
Located in Nyamira, Magwagwa Dam will supply water for a 13,000-hectare irrigation scheme that will benefit Nyamira, Kisumu, Vihiga, Kericho, Bomet, and Homa Bay.
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The Nandi Forest Dam, which will be allocated 1,185 hectares of Nandi South Forest, is facing fierce opposition from local leaders who say it could affect rainfall patterns.
Other notable dam projects include Lower Subukia, Kaiti Ngomano, Radat, Rwabura and Thirika, Lowaat, Kyakivai, and Thuci Dam.
The projects are planned or underway in various parts of the country.
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