Government lays ground for Sh10b mega-dam project.

The government has set aside Ksh. 10 billion to build 5 water reservoirs in Murang’a South, Planning Principal Secretary Mr. Irungu Nyakera has said.

The mega project, which is expected to supply the region with irrigation water besides generating power, will cover about 17,000 acres of land.

Speaking while distributing relief supplies food to residents of Kambiti and Mithini locations yesterday, Nyakera said the government was negotiating with various partners who included the French government who would assist in funding the project.

Nyakera said that the construction works will kick off early next year to benefit Makuyu, Ithanga, Kakuzi and Kambiti area. When complete, the project will boost food production in the semi-arid areas of Murang’a County, benefiting 8,150 households.

“The project will include building of five dams which will enable steady supply of water for irrigation in the lower parts of the county. The project will tap water from four rivers - Chania, Maragua, Kayahwe, and SabaSaba,” said Nyakera.

The PS noted that the region was fertile and its hot weather conditions was ideal for crops to mature within short period of time. He estimated that upon completion within the next 18 to 24 months, farmers will generate up to Sh12 billion annually from the sale of their farm produce which will include maize, beans, bananas, rice and onions among others.

“This project is going to improve the living standards of the locals especially in food security and supply of electricity. We expect to generate hydroelectric power of 2.3 megawatts for domestic use,” he added.

During the occasion, the government distributed 300 bags of maize and 200 each for beans and rice to the residents of Kambiti, Mithini and Makuyu.

Area MP Mary Waithera thanked the government for the relief food adding that the project will be a priority to her tenure in office as this will save her constituents from the pangs of hunger that have bedeviled them for decades.

Waithira reckoned that relief food rations were just temporary remedy to the bigger problem but the construction of these dams would offer a permanent solution.

All the leaders who accompanied the PS urged the residents to ensure they reelect President Uhuru Kenyatta on October 26 so as to help them actualise the implementation of these and similar projects in the region.

PS Devolution Irungu Nyakeera Byte on a mega dam to be constructed in
Murang'a south to alleviate food crisis