By Robert Mutasi 
Residents of Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties are set to benefit from improved water supply after two devolved units entered into a partnership to complete the Sh1.3 billion Kipkaren Dam Water Supply Project.
The dam, located at the border of the two counties, is described as a strategic multi-purpose project aimed at strengthening water security and building climate resilience in the North Rift region.
Officials from Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties, together with the North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency and the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency, conducted a joint inspection of the project site this week to assess its current status.
The Kipkaren Dam Water Supply project is funded by the National Government in conjunction with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and is expected to transform the lives of Eldoret residents who have for years grappled with water shortages.
The project, to be constructed in Kapseret Constituency in Uasin Gishu County, is expected to address the persistent water shortage in Eldoret Town by injecting an additional 23,000 cubic metres of water daily. According to the project brief, about 50,000 residents within Eldoret town and its environs will directly benefit from the increased supply.
Beyond domestic water supply, the project is also expected to support agricultural production and unlock long-term socio-economic opportunities for local communities in both counties.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii said the resumption of construction works follows the successful procurement and signing of a new contractor after previous delays.
“The visit provided an opportunity for all stakeholders to evaluate the current status of the project, align on implementation priorities and reaffirm their collective commitment to timely and efficient completion,” said Governor Bii.
He assured stakeholders of the county government’s full support throughout the implementation period and emphasized the importance of close collaboration to ensure the project is completed without delays and in strict accordance with the approved project plan.
Speaking during the inspection, North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency Chief Executive Officer Douglas Murei lauded the partnership in the implementation of the project.
“Today isn’t just about checking on concrete and machinery. It’s about all of us, every agency and leader present or represented, taking shared ownership of a project that will transform lives in Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties,” said Murei.
The project comes at a critical time for Eldoret, which was recently elevated to city status. The city currently relies on a water supply station constructed more than 50 years ago in Kaptagat Forest alongside the Chebara Dam in Elgeyo Marakwet County, which provides about 39,000 cubic metres of water per day.
This is against a daily demand of 53,000 cubic metres for Eldoret City, with a population of more than one million people. Demand is expected to rise further due to rapid population growth.
The Chebara dam in Moiben-Kuserwo Ward, Marakwet West Sub-County in Elgeyo Marakwet County has been supplying 36,000 cubic metres of water per day for more than three decades to the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS).
During its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week, ELDOWAS pledged to ensure the provision of safe, high-quality water and presented clear strategies to address water demand gaps, expand sanitation, and ensure financial sustainability as Eldoret continues to grow into a fully-fledged city.