Uasin Gishu and Nandi Counties Join Forces to Revive Sh1.3bn Kipkaren Dam Project to Boost Eldoret Water Supply
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, who led the inspection team, said construction has resumed following the procurement and onboarding of a new contractor.
By Robert Mutasi
A major boost for water security is in the offing for Eldoret City and its environs after Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties agreed to jointly fast-track the completion of the Sh1.3 billion Kipkaren Dam Water Supply Project.
The multi-purpose dam, situated on the border of the two counties, is being billed as a game-changer in addressing chronic water shortages that have affected Kenya’s newest city and surrounding areas.
A high-level delegation comprising officials from the two county governments, the North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency and the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency toured the dam site for a joint inspection and status evaluation.
The project is funded by the National Government in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and is set to be constructed in Kapseret Constituency, Uasin Gishu County.
Once complete, the dam is expected to inject an additional 23,000 cubic metres of water per day into the Eldoret water system, significantly narrowing the current supply deficit. At least 50,000 residents in Eldoret town and neighbouring estates are expected to be direct beneficiaries in the first phase.
In addition to domestic use, the dam will support irrigation and other agricultural activities, thereby creating long-term economic opportunities for communities in both Uasin Gishu and Nandi.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, who led the inspection team, said construction has resumed following the procurement and onboarding of a new contractor.
According to the Governor, the joint site visit was meant to assess progress, align implementation priorities and reaffirm commitment by all partners to deliver the project on time.
“The visit provided an opportunity for all stakeholders to evaluate the current status of the project, align on implementation priorities and reaffirm their collective commitment to timely and efficient completion,” Governor Bii said.
He assured development partners and residents that his administration will provide full support to ensure there are no further delays.
North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency CEO Douglas Murei termed the project a shared responsibility that goes beyond infrastructure.
“Today isn’t just about checking on concrete and machinery. It’s about all of us, every agency and leader present or represented, taking shared ownership of a project that will transform lives in Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties,” Murei stated.
The urgency of the Kipkaren project is underscored by Eldoret’s growing water demand. The city, which now hosts over one million people, currently depends on an ageing water supply system built more than 50 years ago in Kaptagat Forest and the Chebara Dam in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The existing system supplies about 39,000 cubic metres per day against a daily demand of 53,000 cubic metres, leaving a deficit of 14,000 cubic metres. The Chebara Dam alone has been supplying about 36,000 cubic metres daily to the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS) for over 30 years.
With Eldoret’s elevation to city status, demand is projected to rise sharply due to population growth and expanding industrial and housing developments.
Last week, during its Annual General Meeting, ELDOWAS said it has put in place strategies to bridge the demand gap, expand sanitation coverage and ensure financial sustainability as it prepares to serve a rapidly growing city.
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