By Caroline Katana
The government has intensified efforts to complete the multi-billion-shilling Mwache Dam project in Kwale County, with officials expressing confidence that the facility will begin storing water by October this year.
During an inspection tour of the project on Friday, Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir said construction works had gained momentum and were progressing according to schedule, bringing the long-awaited project closer to delivering a sustainable water supply to Kwale and Mombasa counties.
Korir said the contractor was working around the clock to ensure key milestones are achieved within the planned timeline.
“The construction of this critical facility is moving at an exceptional pace, with the contractor working 24 hours a day. The government is finalising a supplementary budget allocation this month to sustain this momentum and ensure timely completion,” he said.
According to the Principal Secretary, technical teams have mapped out the project’s critical path over the next six months, placing the dam on course to begin impounding water between October and November.
He noted that completing the project on time would help avoid costly delays, additional claims and interest charges that often accompany extended construction periods.
Water Secretary and Project Manager Eng. Samwel Alima reported that the main dam structure has reached 86 per cent completion and currently stands at an elevation of 87.7 metres above sea level.
Only 13.7 metres remain before the dam reaches its target height of 100 metres.
Alima said the wider Mwache Dam project, which includes check dams and the relocation of social infrastructure, is now 78 per cent complete, while the lower check dam has reached 87 per cent completion.
Once operational, the dam is expected to supply 166,000 cubic metres of water daily to Mombasa County and an additional 20,000 cubic metres to communities in Kwale County, significantly easing chronic water shortages that have affected the Coast region for decades.
To ensure equitable distribution, the Ministry has developed plans to divide Kwale County into water supply zones supported by water pans and future pipeline networks.
Beyond water provision, officials said the project has incorporated extensive social and economic support measures for families affected by construction activities.
Deputy Project Manager Eng. Hosea Wendot said more than 3,000 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) are benefiting from a comprehensive resettlement and livelihood restoration programme.
Among the initiatives being implemented is the distribution of 300 motorcycles to support local transport operators and sustain economic activities in affected communities.
Wendot said the programme is also targeting farmers through agricultural training and the provision of farm inputs, including seeds and fertilisers, to help improve productivity and restore livelihoods.
“The majority of affected residents depend on subsistence farming. We are therefore investing in modern farming skills and agricultural support to ensure families recover and improve their economic well-being,” he said.
The government has also completed major social infrastructure projects to support relocated communities. These include Fulugani and Nunguni schools, the Mwache Bridge Early Childhood Development Education Centre, a health clinic and a police post.
The Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation commended the collaboration between the National Land Commission, the World Bank, contractors and local communities, describing the Mwache Dam as a flagship project that will transform water security and socio-economic development along Kenya’s Coast.
The Mwache Dam project is among the country’s largest water infrastructure investments and is expected to play a crucial role in meeting growing water demand in the rapidly expanding coastal region.
