Baringo: A regional development authority has initiated a large-scale rehabilitation of water facilities within its jurisdiction that have been inactive for decades. Key projects slated for rehabilitation in Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties include the Chemeron Dam and Chemorongion Water Pan in Baringo, as well as the Kabuswa Dam and Chemugul Water Pan in Keiyo.
According to Kenya News Agency, in Baringo, the Authority is allocating Sh 400 million to rejuvenate the Chemeron Dam, which was originally constructed in 1986 but soon became inactive. Despite its 750,000 m³ storage capacity, the dam has suffered from neglect for 39 years, affecting both upstream and downstream communities in Baringo South.
During the official launch of the rehabilitation project, Kello Harsama, PS of the State Department for Arid and Semi-arid Lands and Regional Development, expressed confidence that the project would significantly enhance the socio-economic conditions of the local population. Harsama, who inspected several water projects across the two counties, assured residents of the national government’s commitment to restoring the dam to its original state, as envisioned by Kenya’s second president, Daniel Arap Moi.
The rehabilitation is expected to take six months, after which over 10,500 people and 150,000 livestock will benefit from a reliable supply of clean water. Additionally, 600 acres of land will be irrigated, supporting both subsistence and commercial farming, with an expected annual gross margin of Sh 200,000 per acre.
KVDA Board Chair Mark Chesergon, joined by Managing Director Sammy Naporos, announced that the first phase of the project involves desilting the dam at a cost of Sh100 million, which will restore a 250,000 m³ storage capacity. The rehabilitation scope includes removing silt, enhancing embankments, repairing off-take works and intake towers, and constructing a spillway and check dam.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, Sh 129 million will be invested in ongoing water projects. Among them is the Chemugul Water Pan, which will receive Sh 35 million for pan excavation and related works. At Kabuswa Dam, Sh34 million will be allocated for comprehensive rehabilitation, expected to benefit 8,200 people and 1,200 farmers by irrigating 500 acres.
The project also includes drilling six boreholes in the lower valley at an estimated cost of Sh60 million, aimed at improving water access for domestic and agricultural use, while promoting environmental conservation.
The launch event was attended by notable figures including Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, Baringo South MP Charles Kamuren, and County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa. MD Naporos highlighted KVDA’s ongoing efforts in river basin conservation, tree planting, and promoting fruit farming for both environmental and economic benefits.
Governor Cheboi emphasized the project’s significance for the county’s irrigation systems and expressed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to enhance agricultural activities. Community representatives echoed these sentiments, noting the dam’s potential to transform agricultural practices and attract investment in the region.