Artistic impression of Thwake Dam. [Photo/Julie Omondi]
Construction of the Sh42 billion Thwake Multipurpose Dam in Makueni county will start next year and be completed in the year 2022.
The Ministry of Water and Irrigation that has so far paid out 3.5 billion shillings to over 1,600 landowners, says it is in the final stages of compensating landowners affected by the project.
The project will improve access to water as well as mitigate flooding in parts of Eastern Kenya.
The government has signed a deal with China Gzehouba to construct the 42 billion shillings Thwake Multipurpose Dam.
Construction is expected to start in 90 days and be completed in four years.
Thwake Multipurpose Dam that will cut across Makueni and Kitui counties will harness runoff water during the rains and then release it for domestic use, irrigation as well as generation of electricity.
The Multi-Purpose dam is expected to support irrigation of over 100,000 acres of land in Kitui and Makueni Counties for agricultural activities. The project had delayed due to legal issues on the awarding of the tender after issues pitting two Chinese firms took center stage.