Residents of Nyando in Kisumu county, who have long suffered from perennial floods, will have to wait longer for a permanent solution as the government restructures the funding for the Koru Soin dam project.
The dam, seen as a key infrastructure project to address flooding in the region, has faced setbacks due to financial constraints.
The government is struggling to raise the Sh19.9 billion required to complete the dam, delaying its construction and leaving flood victims in a state of uncertainty.
Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa confirmed that the construction has been stalled primarily because of the lack of sufficient funds.
Mugaa emphasised that the dam is crucial for addressing the flooding in Nyando and surrounding areas.
“This dam is a game changer for the region on matters of flooding. Our solution to the perennial water challenges in the country is to store enough water. Unfortunately, our current water storage capacity is very low compared to other countries,” he explained.
The CS pointed out that the government is working on rebranding the project and exploring options for Public-Private Partnerships.
“We are looking at how to fasttrack this by incorporating PPP or other forms of blended financing. This is the only way we can expedite the construction of dams.”
Some of the locals have been demanding compensation for their land before the project works begin.
The CS said the government is looking to resolve these challenges by negotiating with development partners to fund not only the construction but also the land acquisition process.
Mugaa said the process for land acquisition and compensation follows the same criteria, where the National Land Commission carries out valuations and payment done upon availability of finances.
“I want to reassure the people of the Koru Soin area that they would be compensated once the funding becomes available. When the time comes for land compensation, people will be compensated.”
This comes as over 300 families from Nyadina village in Nyakach were displaced after River Sondu Miriu burst its banks last week.
Internal Security PS Raymond Omollo visited the Ogenya Displaced Persons Camp and also inspected health surveillance measures coordinated with the Ministry of Health to prevent potential outbreaks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases.
The PS also discussed long-term strategies with local leaders, including improved early warning systems, enhanced drainage infrastructure and community education on flood risk managemen
