Thambo, Kajogu Dams Back on Track — Completion Set in 5 Months, Says Water CS Mugaa

Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eric Mugaa, has assured residents of Tharaka Nithi that the construction of Thambo and Kajogu dams will be complete by May 2026.

The CS, who was on an inspection tour of the two projects in Maara Constituency on Thursday, noted that construction works had resumed and that the government was on track to ensure speedy completion in collaboration with the assigned contractors.

CS Mugaa confirmed that Kajogu Dam was at 52% completion, with progress made in the construction of diversion culverts, access roads, and dam infrastructure.

At Thambo, the CS noted slower progress, highlighting the need for the contractor to speed up and deliver the project within the proposed timelines outlined in the engineering contracts.

"We are on a site visit to evaluate the progress and assess work that has been done on the ground. Our target is that by mid next year, the two dams should be in their final stages and almost complete," CS Mugaa said.

The two projects, procured in 2021, have raised questions over their completion, with major concerns from the area Member of Parliament, Kareke Mbiuki, prompting the site visit.

While accompanying the CS to the sites, Kareke expressed confidence in the government’s timely response to ensure the two projects are completed, thanking President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki for following up on the matter.

He noted that his constituency had made great strides in delivering water projects, adding that the site visit was instrumental in resolving issues hindering progress and completion.

"Through my mandate as the area MP, I was instrumental in pushing for the site visits to ascertain progress and solve issues on the ground that had led to the stalling of the two projects. We have been given a commitment that by May, the two dams will be complete," Kareke said.

Other water projects in the county include the Chogoria Sewerage Last Mile Connectivity worth KSh 220 million, Chogoria Water Project worth KSh 230 million, Chuka Water Project worth KSh 410 million, and the Chuka Sewerage Project worth KSh 230 million.

The Last Mile Connectivity Project is receiving funding from the African Development Bank to ensure more Kenyans are connected to water.

Additionally, the government, through the Infrastructure Fund, is targeting the construction of over 50 dams to boost farm productivity.