Principal Secretary Julius Korir inspects the multi-billion-shilling project expected to boost water supply, irrigation and power generation across Lower Eastern Kenya.
The Thwake Multipurpose Dam is now 95 per cent complete, with the government stepping up efforts to fast-track the remaining works and prepare the facility for water impounding by the end of January 2027.
Principal Secretary Julius Korir, CBS, visited the project site for an inspection tour, reaffirming the government’s commitment to completing the major infrastructure project, which is expected to transform water access and unlock economic opportunities across Makueni, Kitui and Machakos counties.
The latest progress comes as construction teams continue working on the concrete-facing slab of the rock-fill dam. According to the project update, 11 of the required 100 concrete panels have been installed, while another nine have been prepared for concrete placement.
Once completed, the dam will hold approximately 688 million cubic metres of water, making it a major investment in addressing water scarcity and strengthening long-term water security in the Lower Eastern region.
The project is expected to supply about 150,000 cubic metres of treated water daily to more than 1.3 million people across Makueni, Kitui and Machakos counties, as well as Konza Technopolis. The improved supply is expected to benefit households, businesses and institutions that depend on reliable water services.
Beyond domestic water supply, Thwake Dam is designed to support irrigation across up to 100,000 acres of land. This is expected to create opportunities for farmers to expand agricultural production, improve food security and reduce reliance on unpredictable rainfall.
The project will also generate an estimated 20 megawatts of electricity, adding a clean-energy component to its wider development benefits. Together, the water, irrigation and power facilities are expected to support livelihoods and stimulate economic activity across the region.
The dam itself is a rock-fill embankment structure with an impervious concrete face, standing approximately 80.5 to 87 metres high and extending about 1.5 kilometres in length. Its scale reflects the project’s strategic importance to Kenya’s long-term infrastructure and development plans.
With new financing secured, construction is expected to move faster as the government works towards the January 2027 water impounding target. Reaching this milestone will mark a significant step towards putting the dam’s water-storage capacity to use, although further work will be required before all planned benefits are fully realised.
For residents of Kitui, Makueni and Machakos, the completion of Thwake Dam represents more than a major construction achievement. If delivered as planned, the project could improve access to water, strengthen agricultural production, support energy generation and create new opportunities for communities across Lower Eastern Kenya.
////
