By Dickson Mwiti.
Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa has directed contractors and implementing agencies to expedite completion of the Nthambo and Kanjogu dam projects in Maraa Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi, saying the government will not tolerate prolonged delays in critical water infrastructure.
Speaking during an inspection tour on Wednesday, the CS said the two dams were procured in 2021 and were intended to address perennial water shortages and support irrigation within the region.
However, the projects have stalled for years, prompting the Ministry to intervene.
“Kanjogu Dam is currently at 52 per cent progress. The contractor is on the ground, and we expect this project to be completed by June next year. These dams are key to water development, and we must ensure they serve the people,” CS Mugaa said.
The CS was accompanied by the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tana Water Development Agency, mandated to implement water projects across Embu, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties.
Mugaa noted that the Kanjogu Dam will hold 890,000 cubic metres of water, which will be harvested during heavy rains and used to regulate supply during dry seasons.
“These investments will ensure reliable water for domestic use and irrigation. Instead of depending purely on rainfall, we are building capacity for communities to produce food throughout the year. Water is life,” he said.
He further outlined major national government water interventions underway in Tharaka Nithi County, including Chogoria Sewerage Project ( Sh 250 million), Chogoria Water Project (Sh 230 million), Chuka Water Project (Sh 410 million), and Chuka Sewerage Project (Sh 230 million).
To ensure the benefits reach households, Mugaa said the government has also allocated funds for last-mile connectivity, partly supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
“We must ensure that the ordinary Mwananchi gets water at the household level. That is why last-mile connectivity is a priority,” he said.
Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, who accompanied the CS, welcomed the Ministry’s intervention, saying the stalled water projects had long denied residents the opportunity to harvest water during rainy seasons and cushion themselves during drought.
“These dams are essential, and their delay has affected our people. We thank the Kenya Kwanza government under President William Ruto for prioritizing water development. We will work closely with the Ministry to resolve the issues and ensure residents benefit,” Mbiuki said.
He said the region has experienced repeated water shortages, and completing the projects will be a long-awaited solution for farmers and households.
Edited by John Majau.
