This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
On October 23, 2019, Deputy President William Ruto's statement on the Kimwarer dam project in Elgeyo-Marakwet County sparked confusion.
According to Ruto, the government will resolve issues surrounding the project to ensure its continuation for the benefit of locals.
He emphasized that the project aligns with the Jubilee manifesto's commitment to building 57 dams across the country to achieve food security and the 'Big Four Agenda'.
"Residents living along the Kerio Valley will benefit from these two dam projects that will irrigate 25,000 hectares. We want to transform this region from a cattle rustling-prone area to a food-producing area and provide water for the locals," Ruto said while commissioning the Chesirei Technical Training Institute in Elgeyo-Marakwet on Saturday.
Leaders from the region pleaded with Ruto to intervene and overturn the project's cancellation, which was ordered by President Kenyatta following a taskforce's recommendation.
The taskforce's report showed that the Sh22.2 billion Kimwarer dam was inflated and not financially viable.
Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji recommended the prosecution of former Finance Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich, his Principal Secretary Kamau Thugge, and 26 others for flouting procurement rules and committing illegalities in the Arror and Kimwarer dams.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has since stated that he will move to court over the projects.
"The Kimwarer and Arror dam projects must go on as planned. We will not accept the money to be scaled down in the Arror project … all these projects might delay but one thing I am telling you is, they will be built to completion," Murkomen said.
