Kamariny residents to benefit from Sh80 million dam

More than 7,000 households in Kamariny, Elgeyo Marakwet county, are expected to benefit from the rehabilitation of Etio dam at a cost of Sh80 million.

The project spearheaded by Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), is expected to be complete within six months.

For more than a decade, the community has faced water scarcity and was forced to travel long distances for the commodity as the dam is currently full of silt.

The new development comes even as President Ruto launched the nearby Yokot dam, which was rehabilitated at a cost of Sh54 million.

The dam, which was constructed in 1948, had receded in volume due to human activities and severe drought due to climate change, reducing its water capacity three times.

Ruto said on Saturday that Etio dam will enhance water supply for irrigation, household and livestock use.

He was optimistic that the dam will encourage residents to engage in horticultural farming to boost food security and livelihoods.

The project will also help environmental conservation efforts.

The region is suitable for growing avocados, coffee, potatoes, passion fruits, beans, kale and cabbages.

“The construction of Yokot and Etio dams in Elgeyo Marakwet will ensure an adequate supply of water for home use, livestock and irrigation. The two dams will cumulatively benefit more than 15,000 farmers, creating over 2,000 direct jobs in the area,” said Ruto.

KVDA Managing Director Sammy Naporos, said that in a bid to mitigate climate change, they are undertaking 71 water projects in Samburu, Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and Marsabit counties that have been hit hard by drought and water scarcity over the years.

“We are creating resilience among the communities by ensuring there is adequate water supply for domestic and livestock use and irrigation. Most of these dams were colonial and are fully silted, hence denying communities water. But we are rehabilitating them and connecting the water directly to residents,” stated Naporos.

The farmers who will benefit from the Etio dam are expected to put about 400 hectares under agriculture.

The MD said that fingerlings have been introduced in the completed Yokot dam, and the same will be done at the Sing’ore and Kaptarit dams so that residents can also earn from fishing.

KVDA chairman Mark Chesergon was optimistic that the projects in the Hanging Valley would improve the livelihoods of the communities and do away with the degradation that has affected the water sources.

Richard Kimutai, a resident, said residents will no longer depend on rainwater for farming.
 “Four villages will benefit greatly from this project. We are ready to practice horticultural farming and have plans to set up a tree nursery for fruit seedlings such as avocados and coffee so that we can grow them and earn income from fruits as we enjoy the benefits of climate change mitigation through environment conservation,” said Kimutai.

He said many youths will also get employment on the farms.

Gabriel Biwott, another resident, regretted that the dam had been lying idle, dashing the hopes of many farmers. He said institutions, including schools and hospitals, will also benefit from water.

Leah Kiptarus, a resident, said women have been walking long distances in search of water and sometimes buy the commodity at exorbitant prices.

“We have been travelling kilometres away during dry seasons in search of water for drinking, cooking and even for our animals. We are hopeful that soon, we will be irrigating our crops and enjoy the availability of adequate and clean water throughout the year,” said Kiptarus.