Nairobi: The government has allocated Sh2.2 billion for the completion of the Yamo dam, a major initiative aimed at alleviating the persistent water shortages experienced by Maralal residents and its surrounding towns. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, while inspecting the construction works in Maralal town, highlighted that the dam, once completed, will have a capacity of 1.5 million cubic meters and will be able to pump 6,000 cubic meters of water daily.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Deputy President emphasized the urgency of the project, stating that the second phase, which involves the installation of the reticulation pipeline, is slated for completion by June 2026. “We are expediting the works and in one year, the whole project will be completed both the dam and the reticulation to make sure the people of Maralal have enough water for domestic use and for their livestock,” Kindiki assured.
In addition to the dam project, the Deputy President inaugurated the Maralal Municipal market, a pioneering development in Samburu County, constructed at a cost of 73 million shillings through a partnership between the national and county governments. The modern market is designed to provide dignified trading spaces for small-scale traders, featuring special rooms for lactating mothers, coolers for fresh produce preservation, a boardroom, and an ICT hub to support e-commerce activities.
The Deputy President also addressed the issue of frequent power outages in Maralal, announcing the development of a 330 million power substation in Rumuruti town, Laikipia County. “The power substation is 40 percent complete and it is expected to end the power blackouts in Maralal town,” he said.
Furthermore, Kindiki mentioned that other national government projects in Samburu County are progressing in their planning stages, including the tarmacking of the Maralal-Baragoi road, Kisima-Wamba road, and the stage improvement of the Naibor-Suguta-Maralal road. He was accompanied by Samburu County Governor Lati Lelelit, Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, and other dignitaries.