This archive report was first published on 19 September 2019.
On September 19, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the immediate cancellation of the Kimwarer Dam project, citing technical and financial unfeasibility.
According to a Technical Committee chaired by Principal Secretary for Infrastructure Prof Paul Maringa, the Sh22.2 billion Kimwarer dam was found to be overpriced and not viable, relying on a costly pumping mechanism to supply water.
Displaced residents in the area will be compensated.
However, President Uhuru gave a nod to the immediate commencement of the implementation of the Arror Multipurpose Dam project, despite it also being overpriced.
“After a detailed technical review, the Technical Committee was satisfied that the Arror Multipurpose Dam Project is economically viable but noted that it was overpriced,” read the statement partly.
The Arror dam, previously estimated to cost Sh28.3 billion, will now cost Sh15.4 billion with power and Sh13.1 billion without power, requiring about 250 acres of land.
