The government has intensified efforts to complete the Itare Dam project in Nakuru County to address the region's water shortages.
According to the government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, once finished, the dam will have a 27 million cubic meters capacity.
In a statement, Mwaura said the dam will provide 100,000 cubic meters of water per day to the residents of Nakuru and surrounding areas.
“The Itare Dam is part of the government’s broader 100 Dams Project, aimed at improving water storage and management across the country. Large dams like Itare will help store substantial amounts of runoff water, which currently contributes to the flooding situation in Kenya.”
The Itare Dam project is expected to boost water supply for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use within Nakuru County and its environs.
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In 2019, the project was mired in controversy when it was scrutinized for alleged embezzlement of funds.
A scandal involving a dubious contract for the dam's construction reportedly cost taxpayers Kes 38 billion.
In connection with this scandal, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) summoned eleven Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency (RVWWDA) officials over their involvement in the corruption allegations.
The construction of the Itare dam was aimed at ending perennial water shortages in the South Rift region, which covers Molo, Kuresoi, Njoro, Rongao, Nakuru town, Kericho, and Baringo counties.
However, the project never proceeded even after the contractor, CMC di Ravenna was paid a huge amount over the budgeted amount.
Detectives investigating the case asserted that up to Kes 11 billion was paid to the contractor, who later filed for bankruptcy in an Italian court.
The project was launched in 2015 and was projected to be completed in 2021.
