Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa issuing a cheque to a farmer in Gatundu North. [Photo|kenyatalk.com]
The government has begun compensating households whose farms were affected during the site-marking stage of the construction of Karimenu II Dam in Gatundu North constituency.
Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa said about 855 households in the area would be affected by the project as construction begins.
"Karimenu II Dam marking will occupy about 600 acres and we will ensure all persons affected by the project are adequately compensated," the CS said.
He was speaking when he led the first phase of the compensation at Buchana Primary School on Wednesday.
"Today 118 farmers will get Sh400 million towards payment of crops, land structures and disturbance," Wamalwa added.
The Sh24 billion dam will supply water to Juja, Ruiru and Githurai areas near Nairobi.
China Exim Bank is partnering with the government for the project.
The construction is expected to be completed by 2020.