This archive report was first published on 19 September 2019.
On September 19, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta made key decisions regarding two high-profile dam projects in Kenya.
Following an investigation into the Kimwarer dam project, valued at Sh22.2 billion, President Kenyatta cancelled the project due to its technical and financial unfeasibility.
The investigation was prompted by revelations that the project did not exist despite billions being pumped into it.
Former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and Principal Secretary Kamau Thugge were charged in court over the scandal, along with over 10 other individuals.
Regarding the Kimwarer project, a technical committee led by Infrastructure PS Paul Maringa found that it was overpriced and lacked a current reliable feasibility study.
"The committee established that no current reliable feasibility study had been conducted on the project," stated a statement from State House.
Additionally, the team noted that a study on a similar project conducted 28 years ago revealed a geological fault across the 800-acre project area, which would have negative structural effects on the dam.
On the other hand, President Kenyatta gave the go-ahead for the Arror dam project, valued at Sh28.3 billion, as the technical committee found it economically viable.
However, the committee recommended a cost rationalisation plan and a reduction in the dam's height from 96 metres to 60 metres to make it technically viable.
"The optimised dam will be technically viable since it will only require about 250 acres of land and cost Sh15.4 billion with power and Sh13.1 billion without power," the report stated.
