The African Development Bank (AfDB) has committed to finance downstream works for the Thwake Multipurpose Water Development Programme, aiming to extend its benefits to about 1.3 million people through water supply, irrigation and hydropower.
AfDB Water and Sanitation Director Eng. Mtchera Chirwa says discussions are underway on investments needed to unlock the project’s full potential, as construction of the multipurpose dam reached 94% completion.
The downstream works include a water supply system producing 150,000 cubic metres daily for Wote and surrounding areas in the counties of Makueni and Kitui, as well as Konza Techno City, alongside irrigation of 40,000 acres and 20 megawatts of hydropower electricity.
Eng. Chirwa says the African Development Bank would remain engaged until the project is completed, with outstanding construction works expected to be completed by mid next year.
“This means provision of water for food security; implementation of the irrigation component, water supply and sanitation for residents and hydropower for energy generation,” says Eng. Chirwa.
Water impoundment is anticipated in early next year, while the government is targeting water storage by the end of January and commissioning in April 2027.
Thwake Multipurpose Dam, Project Manager, Eng. Samuel Alima says construction had resumed after a financing gap, following the AfDB’s signing of an additional Ksh 10.6 billion in funding. Remaining works include the dam’s concrete face slab and a bridge across the embankment.
“This is a game changer for this region, because water is life, and sanitation is dignity. The government is bringing life and dignity to this region,” says Eng. Alima.
The project is expected to strengthen water security, support agricultural production and improve sanitation in the drought-prone region, while parallel efforts to clean the Nairobi River system, including sewage collection and treatment as well river widening, aim to protect water quality flowing into the dam.
Eng. Chirwa and Eng. Alima, AfDB Regional Manager for Water Security and Sanitation Eng. Mecuria Assefaw, the AfDB’s Eng. Lazarus Phiri and AfDB, Water Sector Engineer, Caroline Ogutu.