Kericho: The national government has announced plans to allocate funds to restart the construction of the Soin-Koru Dam in Kericho County, a project that halted in September 2023. During the National Government Development County Implementation Coordination and Management Committee meeting, Kericho County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo confirmed the government's commitment to funding the continuation of this and other stalled projects in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, Commissioner Kitiyo encouraged farmers affected by the Soin-Koru Dam project to continue agricultural activities on their land until the government initiates the construction phase. He assured them that compensation for their land would be provided before relocation efforts commence.
At the same meeting, Irine Chemutai, the Liaison Officer for the Koru-Soin Dam project, revealed that the National Lands Commission has prepared a valuation report for phase two of the project, requiring a budget of Ksh. 2.2 billion. This funding is intended for disbursement to approximately 1,200 individuals for around 478 land parcels. Chemutai expressed her concerns about potential re-evaluation due to changing land market values in the region.
The Soin-Koru Dam project covers approximately 2,170 acres, with the compensation process divided into two phases. Phase one addressed 23 land parcels for the embankment, while phase two covers 455 parcels within the reservoir area. Chemutai also highlighted that the overall cost of the project is estimated at Ksh. 19.9 billion, with a completion target set for August 27, 2027. An advance payment of Ksh. 499 million, representing 2.5% of the total cost, has already been made, with China Jiangxi International Kenya Limited and China Jiangxi International Economic and Cooperation Co. Ltd serving as the contractors.
The proposed Soin-Koru Multi-purpose Dam aims to manage flood control, tackle potable water shortages, and enhance food productivity and electricity generation for the national grid. The dam is situated on the River Nyando, forming a boundary between Kericho and Muhoroni Districts, approximately 5 kilometers southeast of Muhoroni town. The project is expected to store peak floods, increase access to water for domestic, livestock, and irrigation purposes, and contribute to sustainable livelihoods.
Currently, the contractor's progress stands at 7.5%, with mobilization of equipment and personnel, topsoil stripping of the dam embankment, and establishment of essential facilities already underway.