Ruto orders fast-tracking of Thwake Dam after Sh10 billion funding boost
PATRICK NYAKUNDI-KNA
The Government has secured Sh10.6 billion in additional financing to complete the first phase of the Thwake Multipurpose Dam, giving fresh momentum to one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
President William Ruto announced the funding breakthrough during a tour of Kitui County, describing Thwake as “the biggest dam project in the country” and directing the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, together with the contractor, to fast-track its commissioning by April next year.
The President said the additional financing would address the cash-flow challenges that had slowed progress, paving the way for the delivery of water for domestic use, livestock, and irrigation to more than 1.3 million residents in Makueni, Kitui, and parts of Machakos counties.
“Thwake Dam is the biggest dam project in the country. We have now secured Sh10.6 billion for completing the dam. By April next year, we hope to commission this dam to enable socio-economic benefits to the people drawn from the rural areas of Makueni, Kitui and even parts of Machakos counties,” said the Head of State.
The announcement, backed by African Development Bank (AfDB) support, marks a decisive turning point for the project. More than concrete and water, Thwake Dam is envisioned as a powerful engine for poverty reduction, food security, energy access, and inclusive growth.
The funding breakthrough resolves financial constraints that had stalled works, enabling the resumption of key outstanding items such as the concrete face slab, spillway bridge, and hydro-mechanical installations.
Once commissioned, the socio-economic ripple effects are expected to uplift 1.3 million residents, strengthen national resilience, and exemplify Kenya’s commitment to transformative infrastructure under Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, with the AfDB’s support, is implementing the Thwake Multipurpose Water Development Program Phase 1 as a flagship Vision 2030 project.
The programme targets long-term national development ambitions in water, energy, and agriculture. It comprises a multi-purpose dam for water supply, hydropower generation, irrigation development, and regulation of River Athi flows for flood control and drought mitigation. Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Mugaa has previously highlighted the transformative potential of the project.
“We are making steady progress on the Thwake Multipurpose Dam now at an impressive 94.2 percent completion.
Once completed, this landmark dam will provide clean drinking water, enable irrigation for over 40,000 hectares of farmland, and generate 20 MW of hydropower” he said.