25 dams will be approved for construction next week – Ruto

Said Perekei and Amaya dams in Baringo will be among those to be approved.

In Summary
  • He noted that already 33 dams have been approved in the first phase of the project to construct 100 dams through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
  • Speaking while in Kabartonjo, Baringo, Ruto said this will address perennial water problems in the country.
President William Ruto
President William Ruto
Image: WILLIAM RUTO/TWITTER

The Cabinet is on Tuesday next week expected to approve the construction of 25 more dams across the country.

President Ruto said Perekei and Amaya dams in Baringo will be among those to be approved.

He noted that already 33 dams have been approved in the first phase of the project to construct 100 dams through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) arrangement.

"We already started building the first 33 dams. On Tuesday next week, the Cabinet will approve the construction of 25 more dams including Perekei and Amaya," Ruto said.

Speaking while in Kabartonjo, Baringo, Ruto said this will address perennial water problems in the country.

Ministry of Water and Sanitation secretary Samwel Alima this week told a Parliamentary Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation that 23 international firms expressed interest in the construction of the 33 multi-billion dams recently tendered.

The dams include Keben (Nandi), Bonyunyu (Nyamira), Saimo Soi (Baringo), Londiani Dam (Kericho) Kiambaa Dam (Kiambu), Rare (Kilifi) and Yatta Dam (Machakos).

Others are Thuci dam (Embu), Badasa (Marsabit), Umaa Dam (Kitui), Bute dam (Wajir) and Narumoru dam (Nyeri).

The construction of the dams is aimed at saving farmers from rain-fed agriculture to boost food security.

Ruto also expressed optimism that Radad dam in the county will be completed before December this year before launching it.

"I am pushing to ensure that Radad dam is completed by December so that I can come back to launch it. The dam will help in the production of food," Ruto stated.

On the controversial multi-billion Arror and Kimwarer dams, the Head of State said all issues have been resolved and the re-launching will resume before December this year.

He said the dam will serve residents from Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet, Keiyo and Baringo.

According to Kenya Kwanza manifesto, water is a key enabler and irrigation is the single most important game changer in agriculture.

In April, President William Ruto said the government had prioritised the construction and expansion of dams to boost the agriculture sector in the country.


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