News | KWSCRP

Mwache Dam Project Transitioned to Ministry of Water and Sanitation

The Mwache Multi-Purpose Dam Project was officially transitioned from the State Department for Irrigation to the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, under the leadership of Principal Secretary Eng. Julius Korir, CBS, and Water Secretary Eng. Samwel Alima.

This transition aims to enhance coordination, strengthen oversight, and align the project with national water sector priorities. This move marks a major milestone in accelerating project implementation and amplifying its impact on water security, climate resilience, and socio-economic development across the coastal region.

The Mwache Multi-Purpose Dam is a flagship infrastructure project designed to enhance water supply for Mombasa and Kwale counties, support irrigation, and mitigate flooding. It plays a critical role in promoting sustainable resource management and improving livelihoods in one of Kenya’s most water-scarce regions.

Strengthening Coordination for Progress: Mwache Dam Project Monthly High-Level Meetings and site inspections

During the first week of November 2025, a series of key meetings and inspections were held to review progress and enhance coordination for the effective implementation of the Mwache Dam Project.

On 5th November, the Project Manager, Eng Sao Alima, Water Secretary, Ministry of Water Sanitation and Irrigation, chaired the monthly security meeting at the project site in Fulugani. The session focused on assessing the current security situation, identifying emerging risks, and strengthening safety measures to ensure a secure working environment for all ongoing activities.

On 6th November, the Cabinet Secretary, Eng. Eric Mugaa led the monthly site inspection and technical meeting, bringing together project engineers, contractors, and supervising consultants to assess construction progress and address any technical challenges affecting timelines and quality.

Earlier, on 7th October, the Principal Secretary Mr Julius Korir chaired the monthly stakeholders’ meeting, which brought together key partners, leaders, county representatives, and community leaders to review project milestones, address stakeholder concerns, and enhance collaboration towards the project’s successful delivery. These meetings are held monthly and are crucial for the effective implementation of the Mwache Dam Project, as they promote coordination, accountability, and inclusivity among all stakeholders involved.

Mwache Dam Project Training of Water Resources Users Association (WRUAs)

From 27th to 31st October 2025, the Mwache Dam Project, through the Water Resources Authority and its partners, trained champions from 14 Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) across Taita Taveta, Kilifi, and Kwale counties to strengthen community stewardship in water catchment conservation.

The sessions brought together community leaders, faith-based representatives, schools, NGOs, and local administrators to deepen their understanding of integrated water resources management and the Mwache Catchment Management Plan. Through knowledge sharing and practical discussions, participants explored solutions for sustainable land and water use to reduce siltation and safeguard the dam’s water capacity.

To date, 310 km of trenching and 3,120 hectares of land have been restored across 24 WRUAs, showcasing real progress toward resilient and sustainable watershed protection.

Restoring Landscapes, Securing Water for the Future

In October 2025, the World Bank conducted a support mission at the Mwache Dam Project, focusing on watershed management activities. The mission team was joined by the Project Management Unit, Water Resources Authority (WRA), and the Kwale County Government. The delegation toured the Mwache Dam buffer zone to observe ongoing community-led restoration efforts, including tree planting, gully rehabilitation, and terracing, which are being implemented by local communities and WRUAs in Mwachiga and Mazola Mienzeni. These initiatives aim to reduce erosion and siltation, protect the dam’s water quality and storage capacity, and enhance climate resilience across the watershed.

Road Safety Awareness for Pupils Near Mwache Dam

The Mwache Dam safety team conducted a road safety session at Fulugani Primary School to equip pupils with practical skills on safely navigating roads near the ongoing construction. With the increased movement of light and heavy machinery, the session, led by the Environmental, Social, Health, and Safety (ESHS) team, MoWSI (KWSCRP), NTSA, contractors, and teachers, included live demonstrations on how to stop, look, listen, and cross safely. The initiative reinforces the project’s commitment to community safety, ensuring schoolchildren can move confidently and securely during the dam’s construction period.