This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
On September 18, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta made a significant decision regarding two mega infrastructure projects in Kenya - the Kimwarer and Arror dams.
Following the discovery of irregularities and improprieties surrounding these projects, the President formed a Technical Committee to investigate and provide recommendations.
The Committee, chaired by Principal Secretary for Infrastructure Prof Paul Maringa, found that the Kimwarer Dam was overpriced and lacked a current reliable feasibility study.
According to the report, a 28-year-old feasibility study revealed a geological fault across the 800-acre project area, which would have negative structural effects on the proposed dam.
The Committee also noted that more money would be required to compensate residents who would need to be relocated.
Furthermore, the report stated that the water supply mechanism for the Kimwarer Dam would involve pumping, an aspect the technical committee found to be unsustainable.
Based on these findings, the Committee advised the President to discontinue the Kimwarer Dam project.
However, the Arror Multipurpose Dam was found to be economically viable, albeit overpriced. The Committee recommended a cost rationalization plan to ensure the project's implementation was cost-effective without affecting its performance and output.
