Construction of Umaa Dam Resumes After Decade-Long Delay

The construction of the long-stalled Umaa Dam in Kitui County has officially resumed after more than ten years, following a relaunch by the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority.

Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe hosted officials from the authority, including Dr. Kipseng’eret Koros, Chairman of the Technical Committee, at his office today, where the progress of the project was discussed.

The Umaa Dam, one of Kenya’s Vision 2030 flagship projects, is now being constructed by China Jiangxi International Corporation at a cost of KSh 1.9 billion. The dam, with a storage capacity of 1.228 million cubic meters and a daily supply rate of 3,975 cubic meters, is set to benefit over 75,000 people in Kitui County. The project is expected to significantly improve water supply in the region and reduce persistent water shortages in Kitui Municipality.

The dam construction stalled over a decade ago but was revived after the Water Authority undertook a design review and signed a new contract in December 2023. The contractor was mobilized to the site in January 2024, with a completion target set for two years.

Kitui’s County Minister for Water, Gitonga Nkunda, noted that once completed, the dam will be a vital addition to the county’s infrastructure, helping alleviate water scarcity and supporting sustainable development in the region.

Governor Malombe lauded the project as a critical initiative that aligns with his administration’s efforts to enhance water accessibility for residents, calling it a “game-changer” for Kitui County’s future development.

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