The government has started to compensate residents whose lands were taken for the Sh20 billion Mwache dam project.
This follows the release of Sh500 million by the National Treasury.
The dam's construction stalled in July after Kinango constituency residents in Kwale county demanded compensation
Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho said that Sh500 million was released to compensate the first batch.
Residents who don’t have proper documents will be assisted by their leaders to sort out their issues.
Kimotho said Treasury and Ministry of Irrigation will release another Sh500 million next week for Mwavumbo and Bofu residents.
He said the compensation amounts to Sh4.4 billion with the government having already paid Sh1.6 billion for priority area one.
The plan, which is estimated to cost Sh2.8 billion, has been developed in collaboration with local leaders to ensure compensation for affected individuals.
In January 2025, another Sh538 million will be released which will go towards completing the lower check-dam.
“The other balance of Sh1.3 million will be released in 2025-26 financial year,” Kimotho added.
The PS said the project is unique seeks the government seeks to restore the livelihoods of those affected.
Moreover, the government has negotiated with World Bank, the financier of the project and it has agreed to set aside Sh1.9 billion.
Sh500 million will go to community projects with the involvement of respective elders.
Kimotho said they have engaged a consultant who has started work and in three months, he will develop a detailed programme on how other areas will benefit.
Unfortunately, three schools will also be affected.
“The Mwache Dam project is in Kwale county, but the neighboring counties of Mombasa and Kilifi will also benefit. There is a project called Kwale urban which is going to generate 9,000 cubic litres and another 1,000 acres of irrigation,” he said.
Mombasa county will get 186,000 cubic litres of water per day and as a result, they will no longer need water in Kilifi.
Kimotho told affected residents that they will be fairly compensated since all emerging issues have been tackled.
Kinango MP Gonzi Rai said residents had stopped work, demanding compensation.
He said once he took the issue to the assembly, the commission, ministry, and Treasury agreed to sort out the challenges.
Rai said the only setback is a dispute between the contractor and employees, who are demanding their July salaries.
The dam requires Sh4.4 billion for land acquisition, impacting 4,000 residents.
Its construction started in March last year and it is expected to be completed in December 2027.
