Government to Commence Compensation for Ksh20B Mwache Dam Project

The government has initiated the compensation process for the Project Affected Persons (PAPs) of the Mwache dam project, located in Kinango constituency, Kwale County. This comes after the National Treasury released Ksh500 million, marking the first phase of compensating those displaced by the project. The Mwache dam, a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving water supply in the coastal region, has been stalled since July 2023 due to compensation and livelihood restoration demands from the local community.

Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kiomotho announced the commencement of the compensation process, noting that the Ksh500 million recently released will cover the first batch of PAPs. However, a few individuals have not yet been compensated due to issues related to proper documentation. Local leaders have stepped in, promising to help resolve these conflicts to ensure everyone affected receives their due compensation.

Kiomotho further revealed that the Treasury and the Ministry of Irrigation plan to release another Ksh500 million next week. This second tranche will be used to compensate PAPs in the Mwavumbo and Bofu areas, with the National Land Commission overseeing the award process. The overall compensation package for the Mwache dam project amounts to Ksh4.4 billion, of which Ksh1.6 billion has already been paid for priority area one.

In addition to financial compensation, the government has developed a Ksh2.8 billion livelihood restoration plan in collaboration with local leaders. This plan aims to ensure that the livelihoods of the displaced persons are restored to their original state before relocation. The government’s commitment to this restoration process underscores the project’s unique approach, focusing not just on infrastructure development but also on the well-being of the affected communities.

Looking ahead, the government has scheduled the release of an additional Ksh538 million in January 2025, which will be directed towards completing the lower check-dam area. The remaining balance of Ksh1.3 billion is expected to be disbursed in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

The Mwache dam project, which began construction in March 2023, is a massive undertaking that will have far-reaching benefits beyond Kwale County. It is expected to generate 9,000 cubic liters of water per day for Kwale County’s urban areas and provide irrigation for 1,000 acres of farmland. Additionally, Mombasa County will receive 186,000 cubic liters of water per day, reducing its reliance on water supplies from Kilifi County.

The project, however, is not without challenges. Three schools in the area are expected to be temporarily affected by the construction, requiring adjustments and renovations upon relocation. Despite these disruptions, the government has assured that the necessary steps will be taken to minimize the impact on education and to restore the schools once the relocation is complete.

Another significant aspect of the Mwache dam project is the involvement of the World Bank, which is financing the project. The World Bank has agreed to allocate Ksh1.9 billion for community projects, with Ksh500 million set aside specifically for initiatives developed in collaboration with local elders. The remaining Ksh1.4 billion will be managed by a consultant, who is expected to deliver a detailed program within three months, outlining how various parts of the community will benefit.

Kinango Member of Parliament Gonzi Rai played a pivotal role in pushing for the compensation, having addressed the issue in the assembly. He acknowledged that the project had been halted by local residents demanding compensation but assured that the matter is now being resolved. The only remaining hurdle is a dispute between the contractor and employees, who are demanding payment for July 2023, when the project was paused.

As the government moves forward with the compensation and restoration processes, the Mwache dam project remains a beacon of hope for the coastal region. Upon completion in December 2027, it promises to significantly improve water security and agricultural productivity in Kwale, Mombasa, and Kilifi counties. The government’s efforts to ensure fair compensation and livelihood restoration are crucial steps in realizing this ambitious vision.