West pokot: The contractor undertaking the multibillion Muruny-Siyoi Dam and Water Project in West Pokot has been challenged to increase the pace of construction to enable residents’ access to safe and clean water.
According to Kenya News Agency, Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary (PS), Julius Tanui, stated that the government had allocated Sh2.2 billion from the previous and current budget to expedite the project, which has been ongoing for over a decade. During his fact-finding mission at the project site in Pokot South Sub-county, Tanui urged the contractor to increase the workforce and extend working hours to ensure timely completion.
He suggested implementing two eight-hour working shifts to accelerate the remaining works, enabling residents to benefit from the project by year-end. Tanui acknowledged past cash flow challenges but assured that the government is committed to the project’s completion.
The Muruny-Siyoi Dam and Water Supply Project, launched in 2015, is 87.4 percent complete and aims to benefit around 350,000 people in the region by 2035. Water impounding is expected to begin by the end of October, marking the beginning of the final stages of the project, including water treatment and supply.
Tanui, alongside the North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency (NRVWWDA) Board Chair and former West Pokot Governor, Prof. John Lonyangapuo, reaffirmed the government’s determination to have the project ready by January next year. According to NRVWWDA progress report, Lot 1 comprises the Dam Component, while Lot 2 includes the Water Supply Component.
The report details significant progress in key components, with several structures completed. However, the cyclopean dam is only 72.72 percent complete. The report, issued by Joyce Rono, Manager, Corporate Communication at the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA), outlines the anticipated completion by December 2026.
Prof. Lonyangapuo expressed concern over the delay, urging the contractor to adopt a 24-hour working schedule to expedite the project. He advocated for strict enforcement of deadlines and accountability for contractors who fail to meet them.
He highlighted the delay’s negative impact on regional leaders and residents, noting that the project’s completion would provide reliable water supplies and address the longstanding water challenges in West Pokot. Residents believe the project will transform their lives and solve the perennial water shortage in Kapenguria Town, the County Headquarters.
