Kenya secures Sh10.3 billion boost for Thwake Dam project completion
The funding has been approved by the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and is aimed at ensuring the full completion and long-term sustainability of the dam, currently about 90 per cent complete.
Kenya has secured an additional €68.39 million (Sh10.3 billion) in financing to support the completion of the Thwake Multipurpose Water Development Program Phase I, a flagship infrastructure project under the Vision 2030 development blueprint.
The funding has been approved by the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and is aimed at ensuring the full completion and long-term sustainability of the dam, currently about 90 per cent complete.
The additional financing package includes a €64.20 million (Sh9.6 billion) loan from the African Development Bank, €4.2 million (Sh630.8 million) from the African Development Fund, and €15 million (Sh2.3 billion) in counterpart funding from the Government of Kenya.
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Once completed, the Thwake Dam will significantly enhance water security in the semi-arid counties of Kitui and Makueni, supplying up to 150,000 cubic metres of clean water daily to about 1.3 million people.
The dam also seeks to support the irrigation of 40,000 hectares and generate 20 megawatts of renewable hydropower.
The project further seeks to finance key engineering improvements such as raising the dam height, strengthening foundations and constructing two additional saddle dams to enhance safety, resilience and operational reliability.
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“This financing is about completing a strategic national asset and ensuring it delivers fully on its promise,” said Alex Mubiru, Director General for East Africa at the African Development Bank Group.
“With the project already at an advanced stage, our focus is on safeguarding the integrity of the investment, strengthening technical design, and ensuring that communities realise the full benefits in water security, food production, and clean energy.”
Beyond its core infrastructure role, the project is expected to improve livelihoods in the Athi River catchment by reducing flood risks, improving sanitation and creating jobs, while also supporting local communities through better access to schools, healthcare and water services.
The dam, expected to be completed in September 2028, is also projected to boost agricultural productivity, expand renewable energy access and strengthen Kenya’s long-term water resilience as a whole.
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