The Muruny–Siyoi Dam Kapenguria Water Supply Project is nearing completion and is expected to significantly improve access to clean and reliable water for residents of West Pokot County and neighbouring areas, the Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation, Julius K. Korir, has said.
Speaking during a site visit to the project, Korir said the multi-billion-shilling dam, being implemented by the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA), is currently 85 per cent complete, with the dam wall expected to be finalised by July this year.
The project, which has been under implementation since 2015 at a total cost of Sh9.7 billion, is designed to address chronic water shortages in the region, which is classified as an Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) area.
The PS was accompanied by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of NWHSA, Eng. Julius K. Mugun, alongside engineers, contractors, county administrators and other key stakeholders involved in the project.
Once operational, the Muruny–Siyoi Dam will have a storage capacity of 9.3 million cubic litres of water and is expected to benefit more than 350,000 residents in Kapenguria, Makutano, Kacheliba and surrounding communities.
“The project is fully funded by the Government of Kenya and has been designed as a gravity-fed system, making it highly cost-effective in terms of operation and maintenance,” Korir noted.
He explained that the project has been implemented in two main phases.
Lot One involved the construction of the dam and an 11-kilometre raw water transmission pipeline from the dam to Kaibibich, which has already been completed.
Lot Two focuses on the development of a water treatment plant in Kaibibich with a treatment capacity of 39,000 cubic metres per day, as well as the transmission of treated water to Kapenguria town.
Korir confirmed that all dam tanks and the main pipeline have been completed and are currently undergoing testing to ensure they meet the required technical standards before commissioning.
He acknowledged that the project experienced delays, largely due to liquidity and cash-flow challenges faced by the contractor.
However, he said the government has taken deliberate steps to address the issue and ensure completion.
“In the last financial year, KES 600 million was paid to the contractor, and we are now seeking an additional KES 600 million through supplementary funding to ensure that the remaining works are completed without further delay,” he said.
The PS reiterated the government’s commitment to fully delivering the project and ensuring it serves the intended beneficiaries as planned.
According to Korir, water impoundment at the dam is expected to begin in April or May this year, with projections indicating that the reservoir will be fully filled by December, supported by continuous river flow and seasonal rains.
“Our target is for the project to begin supplying water to residents before the end of the year,” he stated.
Beyond domestic use, the project is expected to enhance water availability for irrigation and pastoral activities, significantly improving livelihoods in the drought-prone region.
In addition to the main supply network, the project incorporates community social responsibility initiatives aimed at expanding access to clean water at the grassroots level.
These include the construction of small water treatment works upstream to serve the Kapsait community.
The Kaibibich water treatment plant will also supply water to Kaibibich town and neighbouring villages, further expanding the project’s reach and impact.
Korir assured residents that the Siyoi–Muruny Dam Project will be completed within the stipulated timelines.
“We are determined to ensure this project is finalised and begins serving the people as planned,” he said.
During the visit, the PS also inspected ongoing construction works at the Kapenguria–Makutano sewerage project, where he called for enhanced coordination among implementing agencies to ensure timely completion and efficient utilisation of public resources.
By Parklea Ivor
