Finally, breakthrough in Sh40 billion dam project

The perennial flooding along River Nyando could end following plans to restart construction of Sh40 billion Koru-Soin Dam in Kisumu County.

The construction, which was initiated in the 1970s, had stalled following a misunderstanding between the locals and the implementers of the project.

But the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority has advertised a tender for the construction of the dam, signalling hope.

According to the advert signed by the authority’s acting CEO Sharon Obonyo, bidders are expected to present their tender documents before July 20.

The dam, to be constructed on the upstream of River Nyando at the border of Kisumu and Nandi counties, will provide 72, 000 cubic metres of water for domestic and commercial use.
The multipurpose dam will also generate 2.5 Mega Watts of hydropower, which will boost the national grid.

According to the advertisement, the project will be implemented in two phases, with the construction work placed on an open international tender, while the supervision of the works reserved for Kenyan companies.

If actualised, the project will offer a lasting solution to the perennial flooding in the Nyando basin.

Attempts to kickstart the project have been blocked by politicians and protests from locals.