A dispute has emerged over claims regarding the funding and implementation of the Ilimikuyu Earth Dam in Endau/Malalani Ward, with differing accounts circulating about the role of the county and national governments in the project.
According to clarification from county leadership, the Ilimikuyu Earth Dam was not funded by the Kitui County Government but was instead implemented under the European Union-backed Ending Drought Emergencies: Climate Proofed Infrastructure Programme (EDE-CPIRA). The project is being executed through the Water Sector Trust Fund, which handled design, procurement, and overall implementation.
Officials further state that the initiative is an earth dam and water distribution system aimed at improving climate-resilient water access in the region. Phase one of the project began in 2020 with an estimated cost of about KSh 50 million but stalled before completion. A second phase, reportedly valued at approximately KSh 86 million, was later mobilized in 2023โ2024 under renewed support from the European Union, but also experienced delays attributed to design and ground condition challenges.
The county government maintains that it did not participate in the design or implementation of the project and therefore did not allocate or spend the claimed KSh 150 million on the dam. It has instead emphasized that accountability for the stalled works lies with the implementing national agencies and development partners responsible for the programme.
Endau/Malalani MCA Erastus Mbuno has raised concerns over the projectโs progress, prompting the county executive to respond by distancing itself from financial and technical responsibility for the dam.
Governor Julius Malombe reiterated the countyโs commitment to prudent use of public resources and delivery of value-for-money development projects across Kitui.
