West Pokot County is set for a major water supply transformation, as the eight billion-shilling Siyoi-Muruny Dam is set to be complete in March, 2025. The project being implemented by National Water is currently 72% complete and will serve a population of 350,000 people marking a significant boost for the region.
With a storage capacity of 8.9 million cubic meters (approximately 9 billion liters) it is expected to provide 38,880 cubic meters (38.9 million liters) of water daily, addressing water scarcity in Kapenguria, Makutano, and neighboring areas.
Irrigation PS, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, said the government has budgeted 900 million shillings for the project in this Financial Year and with additional 900 million from the supplementary budget, the dam will be complete. The project was supposed to be complete in 2018 but delayed due to funding challenges.
The County Government of West Pokot through Water CEC William Petot requested the State Department for Irrigation to consider using water from the dam to irrigate 3,500 acres in Chepareria, a request the PS said they will do feasibility studies to find ways of implementing the request.
National Water Chairman CPA Symon Kimaru said the Authority is looking forward to the completion of this project to pave way for start and completion of many other projects in the pipeline. “Funding challenges is what has derailed the project. However, we appreciate the support we are getting from concerned stakeholders led by our parent Ministry to ensure this project is complete next year.” CPA Kimaru.
Ag. CEO John Muhia said the water treatment plant in Kabichbich will process 38,880 cubic meters of water per day after which the water is taken through a bulk pipeline stretching over 127,226 meters and stored in tanks with a total capacity of 17,865 cubic meters. This infrastructure will support water distribution to both households and irrigation schemes in areas of Kapenguria, Makutano, Chepareria, Siyoi, Muruny, and Kaibos hence, enhancing social-economic growth in the region.
Joining PS Kimotho during the inspection was a team of senior officials from the State Department for Irrigation; Irrigation Secretary Eng. Vincent Kabuti, Secretary of Administration Kipkemei Yatich, Director of Land Reclamation Ian Thande, and Chief Finance Officer Daniel Kihara.
Pokot South Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Charles Akwanalo led the local administration team.
Also present from the Authority was Director Kipseng’eret Koros who is the Chairman of the Strategy and Business Development Board Committee, Ag. General Manager, Infrastructure Development Eng. Julius Mugun, Resident Eng. Tabitha Kimani Infrastructure Planning and Design Manager Duncan Ondulo, Manager, Corporate Communication; Joyce Rono among other staff.
The project lies within the Rift Valley Drainage Basin, where it shall impound water from River Muruny’ that emanates from Cherangany’ Hills, and flows in a North Eastern direction before finally draining into Lake Turkana.
The Dam’s components include the water treatment plant, pipeline distribution and water storage tanks. From the treatment plant in Kabichbich town, the Muruny’ (Siyoi) Dam will collect and store water ensuring consistent clean water supply to the towns of Makutano, Kapenguria, Chepareria, Siyoi, Muruny’ and Kaibos.
Supported by storage tanks with a holding capacity of 17,865 cubic meters and a 127,226-meter bulk water pipeline, the project will be a game changer in the region that will see growth in the social-economic activities and improved livelihoods through access to clean and safe water.