Gov't moves to rehabilitate Nandi dams, targeting 9,520 households

The government is planning to rehabilitate three dams in Nandi County to expand irrigation, with the projects expected to bring more than 2,380 acres of land under irrigation and benefit an estimated 9,520 households.

 Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho inspected Ndalat Dam in Mosop Constituency on Friday as part of the planned works, which also include the rehabilitation of Kapng’ombe and Kapsigiryo dams.

The projects are aimed at improving water access for farmers, reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture and boosting food production in the area.

Speaking during the inspection, Kimotho said the government was responding to residents’ longstanding calls for improved access to water.

“The President has heard your cry for water,” Kimotho told residents, adding that access to reliable water was critical to improving food security, household incomes and livelihoods.

Ndalat Dam, constructed during the colonial period, has deteriorated over the years, with silt, papyrus and reeds accumulating in its reservoir. Sections of its embankment have also been eroded, while the facility lacks a spillway, raising concerns about its safety and the risk of flooding in nearby homes and farms.

The planned rehabilitation will involve removing the accumulated silt and vegetation, stabilising the eroded embankment and constructing a spillway with downstream erosion protection.

The works are expected to bring 17 acres under irrigation and benefit 68 households. Farmers in the surrounding area grow tea, coffee, cereals and horticultural crops, with improved water access expected to support increased production and reduce losses during dry periods.

At Kapng’ombe Dam, rehabilitation is expected to unlock 43 acres for irrigation, benefiting 172 households. The dam has an estimated storage capacity of 65,000 cubic metres.

Kapsigiryo Dam, the largest of the three projects in terms of planned irrigation coverage, is expected to support farming across 2,320 acres and benefit approximately 9,280 households. It has an estimated storage capacity of 348,000 cubic metres.

The three dams are among the small water facilities earmarked for rehabilitation under the government’s wider programme to expand irrigation infrastructure and improve agricultural productivity.

Beyond crop production, the projects are expected to create employment during construction and support local businesses through increased farm output and household incomes. Improved water availability is also expected to support livestock and other community needs.

The rehabilitation works are further intended to improve dam safety through structural upgrades, while better access roads and stronger Irrigation Water Users Associations are expected to support market access and the sustainable management of the schemes.

Kimotho was accompanied during the Ndalat Dam inspection by Irrigation Secretary Joel Tanui and National Irrigation Authority Chief Executive Officer Charles Muasya. Nandi Deputy Governor Yulitah Mitei Cheruiyot and Mosop MP Abraham Kirwa also attended.

The government says the investments form part of its efforts to expand smallholder irrigation and help farmers move towards more reliable, year-round agricultural production.