Daua Dam, irrigation masterplan gain momentum after high-level talks in Nairobi
The Masterplan places strong emphasis on climate-resilient livelihoods, modern irrigation systems, and long-term water security for pastoral and agro-pastoral communities along the Daua corridor.
Plans for the transformative Daua Multipurpose Hydroelectric Dam and the wider Daua River Irrigation Masterplan have gained fresh momentum after top national, regional and county officials held a joint consultative meeting in Nairobi.
The Principal Secretary for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho Kimani, on Monday hosted officials from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and a high-level delegation from Mandera County led by Deputy Governor Ali Maalim Mohamud at Maji House to advance discussions on the ambitious Daua River Irrigation Masterplan.
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PS Kimotho said the initiative is anchored in the Government's major water agenda.
"The Daua River Masterplan is part of our strategic priority to deliver 50 mega water and irrigation projects across the country. This plan will enable us to store more water, expand irrigation, and strengthen climate resilience for communities along the ASAL frontier," he said.
According to the State Department for Irrigation, the Masterplan envisions the development of dams and large-scale water storage infrastructure to support irrigation and domestic supply for up to 120,000 acres across Kenya and Ethiopia.
This is expected to boost food security, revive agriculture, and foster cross-border trade, particularly as the Suftu One-Stop Border Post and the proposed Daua River bridge take shape.
In a statement after the meeting, Dr Ali Maalim described the Daua Multipurpose Hydroelectric Dam as a turning point for the region.
"This project will be the largest of its kind in Kenya," he said. "Beyond power generation and flood management, it will open Mandera's drylands to irrigation, turning vast arid areas into productive farmland."
Dr Ali added that the dam represents one of President William Ruto's priority projects, as highlighted in the latest State of the Nation Address.
"We remain committed to working closely with Ethiopia and Somalia to ensure the dam delivers sustainable benefits for all three nations," he said.
The Masterplan places strong emphasis on climate-resilient livelihoods, modern irrigation systems, and long-term water security for pastoral and agro-pastoral communities along the Daua corridor.
Once implemented, the initiative is expected to significantly increase agricultural productivity and strengthen local value chains such as horticulture, fodder, and livestock feed production.
The meeting brought together a distinguished delegation, including Dr Fatuma Adan, Head of IGAD Mission Kenya; Guled Simba, National Coordinator of the NEDI Programme; and Adan Aredo, Advisor to the Governor on the Daua Dam Programme, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation.
According to the deputy governor who represented Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif, the high-level planning meeting was held ahead of the 3rd Kenya-Ethiopia Ministerial and Technical Mission.
He further confirmed that Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa will lead the Kenyan delegation to Ethiopia early next year, joined by representatives from both the Water and Energy ministries. The mission will explore plans to integrate power transmission from Ethiopia directly into Kenya.
During the meeting, PS Kimotho, IGAD officials, and the Mandera delegation agreed to launch inter-departmental consultations with relevant government agencies to ensure a coordinated rollout of the programme.
"We are committed to a timely and well-coordinated implementation, aligned with national development goals and regional cooperation frameworks," PS Kimotho said.
Dr Ali emphasised that the economic potential of the Daua basin is enormous. "By extending irrigation from this project, every sub-county in Mandera stands to benefit. This is about food security, dignity, and long-term prosperity for our people."
With the Masterplan gaining traction and a high-level ministerial mission to Ethiopia planned for early next year, the Daua Dam initiative is now emerging as one of the Horn of Africa's most significant infrastructure undertakings—promising shared prosperity across Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
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