The Government is actively engaging stakeholders to fast-track funding and hasten the completion of the Thwake Multipurpose Dam by December, Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary (PS) Julius Korir has confirmed.
Speaking during an interview on Tuesday evening, Korir highlighted the Government’s commitment to ensuring the dam’s timely completion. The project, funded by the Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB), is expected to benefit nearly one million residents across Makueni, Kitui, and parts of Machakos counties once completed.
During the interview, PS Korir outlined major achievements in the Water Ministry over the past three years. Among the key accomplishments are improvements in sanitation coverage, water accessibility, and the overall quality of water consumed by Kenyans.
The Government has increased water coverage to 73 percent, while sanitation services have expanded to 93 percent. However, Korir acknowledged that proper sewerage coverage remains low and needs further improvement.
“In Nairobi County, sanitation coverage stands at about 66 percent, where residents have access to good forms of sanitation. The rest rely on septic tanks, which are periodically emptied and taken to disposal sites,” Korir noted.
The Thwake Multipurpose Dam is a crucial infrastructure project aimed at addressing water scarcity in the Lower Eastern region. Once completed, the dam will provide water for domestic use, irrigation, and hydropower generation, boosting economic activities and improving the livelihoods of residents.
The Government remains committed to securing the necessary funding to ensure the project is delivered on time. “We are actively engaging stakeholders to expedite the required funding to facilitate the dam’s completion,” Korir emphasized.
Despite significant progress, the Government faces challenges in sewerage infrastructure development, which remains inadequate in many parts of the country. Efforts are underway to improve proper waste disposal systems and expand sewer lines to accommodate the growing population.
With Thwake Dam nearing completion, the Government continues to push for improved water accessibility and sanitation services nationwide, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the country’s water security.
