•Governor Guyo said the dam is projected to hold a water capacity of 315 million cubic metres.
•An earlier plan to construct a mega dam near to Ewaso Ng’iro River by the National Water Conservation did not happen.
Image: ICG
Isiolo county, nestled in the heart of Kenya, has long grappled with persistent water shortages, posing significant challenges to agricultural production.
The planned construction of a Sh30.9 billion dam in the county could offer a permanent solution to the region’s water problems.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo and Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho last week conducted an inspection tour at the site of the proposed dam.
Guyo said the dam dubbed Crocodile Jaw would play a major part in boosting food security in the county.
The county boss said the dam is projected to hold 315 million cubic metres of water when full.
"The dam is a game changer in supporting food security with continuous cropping and livestock value chains in the wake of climate change," he said.
"The project will also improve climate resilience and improve the livelihoods of the people of Isiolo county," Guyo added.
The governor said that the primary objective of the Crocodile Jaw dam was to address pressing issues of water scarcity and inadequate irrigation in Isiolo.
He emphasised the multi-faceted benefits the project aims to deliver, ranging from the supply of fresh water to facilitating irrigation and the provision of electricity to Isiolo.
An earlier plan to construct a mega dam near the Ewaso Ng’iro River by the National Water Conservation failed.
The Crocodile Jaw dam will increase daily water supply for both domestic and industrial use by 58,473 cubic meters. Another 46,656 cubic meters will be used for irrigation.
The National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority will implement the project.
Guyo said that one significant advantage of the dam project is the provision of gravity-driven water supply to Isiolo and its environs.
"This innovative approach ensures not only a consistent and reliable water flow but also minimises the need for energy-intensive pumping systems, promoting sustainability," he added.
Governor Guyo also met contractors at the site to address fears related to public participation and other concerns.
He assured them that the project was designed with the best interests of the residents in mind.
"Public participation will be integral to the implementation process, ensuring that the local community has a voice in shaping the future of their region," Guyo said.
The Crocodile Jaw dam could likely transform the agricultural landscape in Isiolo.
"The infusion of water for irrigation purposes is expected to significantly increase crop yields, promoting food security and economic stability in the region," PS Kimotho said.
The PS noted that the dam had a storage of 214 million cubic meters.
He urged residents living in the areas near the proposed dam to support it at various stages of the project for their benefit and that of the surrounding counties.
"The next critical steps involve the submission of the Privately Initiated Proposal under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework by an interested private party and updating detailed technical studies, including the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment," Kimotho added.
Plans include allocating over 100,000 acres for feedlots and a disease control zone.
During a tour of Isiolo in May 2023, President William Ruto pledged to expedite the construction of the proposed Isiolo dam in the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
The dam was identified by Kenya’s National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation as a necessity.
Ruto said the Isiolo dam will improve residents' livelihoods by providing water for domestic and livestock use.
He said 500,000 livestock have been lost mainly in Eastern and Northeastern due to drought.
“We cannot continue losing livestock in Kenya because we are diminishing communities. This means we must invest enough resources to prevent the loss of such an amount of livestock and the equivalent amount we lose as a country,” Ruto said.
The Crocodile Jaw dam is part of Kenya Kwanza government's plan to build 100 mega and 1,000 small dams across the country.
In December 2023, Guyo said the process to make 290 acres available for irrigation was being finalised. Guyo said he had set aside 290 acres for Malkadaka, Bulesa and Ngaremara irrigation schemes.
According to the National Treasury, 193 irrigation projects granted Sh5.5 billion have stalled across the country.