Families impacted by Gura Hydro Canal recently damaged by torrential rains compensated./HANDOUT
The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has compensated 44 families in Gituagi Village, Nyeri County, with a total of Sh12.1 million following the destruction of homes and farm crops after the Gura Hydro Canal caved in during the long rains.
Confirming the compensation, Gura Hydro Power Project Chairman Wambugu Mukundi said the affected residents had expressed satisfaction with the settlement reached after consultations between the community and the agency.
He noted that, beyond the monetary compensation, KTDA had committed to implementing several community development projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of local residents.
Among the projects promised are the construction of a community library, maintenance of roads along the canal corridor, and support for irrigation initiatives to boost agricultural production in the area.
Gituagi Community Chairman Moses Wanjau Mwai said the agency had also agreed to strengthen safety measures around the canal. These include the installation of CCTV cameras and fencing along sections of the waterway to improve surveillance and ensure a quicker emergency response in the event of future incidents.
The canal collapse occurred during the heavy rainfall season, when rising water volumes and pressure are believed to have contributed to the damage.
The incident left several families counting their losses after homes were damaged and crops destroyed, affecting livelihoods in a region where farming remains a key economic activity.
The Gura Hydro Power Project is a 5.8-megawatt run-of-river hydroelectric facility located in Nyeri County and developed by KTDA Power Company.
The renewable energy project was established to provide affordable electricity to four tea factories—Gitugi, Iriaini, Chinga, and Gathuthi—helping to reduce energy costs in tea processing.
The project is regarded as one of Kenya’s successful small-scale renewable energy investments and serves as a model for community-linked hydropower development.
During periods of high water flow, the plant can generate substantial revenue while contributing clean energy to support local industries and economic growth.
Among those present were KTDA Acting Group CEO Eng. Francis Miano, Zone 4 Board Member Mr David Ndung’u, KTDA Power Company Acting General Manager Eng. Moses Shikuku, and Majani Insurance General Manager Pauline Mwangi.
