One of the biggest challenges Kenyans living in the Eastern region of the country have experienced for many years has been the lack of water for both domestic and irrigation purposes as the areas experiences minimal rainfall. This has in turn caused drought and famine and disease caused by lack of clean water.

In an effort to solve issues such as this, the government has pledged to build about 100 dams across the country. Thwake Multipurpose Dam is one of the dams whose completion will change the lives of thousands of Kenyans in the region.

Dubbed “The Dam of Hope” this dam will serve the people of Makueni, Kitui and parts of Machakos. It will be paramount in the efforts to mitigate floods and drought in these particular regions.

The dam which is predicted to be completed in June 2024 will serve several purposes to the Kenyans living in these areas:

  1. Water Accessibility.

This dam will give the people of Makueni, Kitui and Machakos accessibility to clean water. The BETA Agenda is built on the provision of basic needs to Kenyans wherever they are. Ensuring Kenyans in the Eastern region will no longer have to transverse long treacherous distances in search of water will be a key purpose of the Thwake Dam.

  • Food Security.

Irrigation is an important factor is ensuring food security of the drier areas of the country such as the Eastern region of the country. Irrigation will increase the food production in this counties, while also creating employment opportunities in the regions. The government has been encouraging many Kenyans to look towards farming as an economic venture, urging them to broaden their farming options. Each region in the country has specific crops that can grow in them. The government has continued to urge Kenyans to expand their horizons with crops. Thwake Dam will enable many farmers to take up farming as an economic activity.

  • Provision of Hydropower

Thwake Dam will facilitate the production of hydropower in this region. The government is keen on ensuring the country fully embraces green energy power sources such as wind and hydropower in the efforts to lower energy costs and protect the environment.

  • Flood Mitigation.

The dam will be significant in regulating the flows of the Athi River downstream. This will protect many Kenyans in the regions from drowning and losing crop and livestock from floods.

Thwake Dam will help bring hope and security to the people of Eastern Kenya.