MWACHE
DAM
PROJECT
| Commencement Date: March 2015 | Completion Date: January 2027
PROJECT Overview
The Mwache Multi-Purpose Dam Project is a flagship initiative aimed at addressing chronic water scarcity in Kenya’s coastal region, particularly in Mombasa and Kwale counties. These areas have faced persistent challenges due to limited water resources and seasonal droughts. The project offers a sustainable water supply solution to meet domestic, agricultural, and industrial needs, while enhancing climate resilience and food security.
Strategically located across the Mwache River in Fulugani Village, Kinango Sub-County—approximately 22 km west of Mombasa the dam is the largest Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC) gravity dam in East Africa. Standing 84 meters tall, it has a catchment area of 2,250 km² and a reservoir capacity of 136 million cubic meters.
Once completed, the dam will deliver 186,000 cubic meters of clean water daily to Mombasa and Kwale counties, positively impacting over 1.6 million residents. It will also support irrigation on 1,000 acres, directly benefiting more than 2,000 farmers through household and community water pans.
This transformative project is central to Kenya’s climate resilience and sustainable water resource strategy, delivering long-term social, environmental, and economic benefits.
Financial Overview
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World Bank/IDA – US$ 255 million for infrastructure
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Government of Kenya (GoK) – US$ 40 million financing compensation for project-affected persons
Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation
Ministry of Water Sanitation and Irrigation
Coast Development Authority (CDA)
Kwale County
Project Development Objectives
Objective 1
To sustainably increase bulk water supply to Mombasa County and Kwale County
Objective 2
To increase access to water and sanitation in Kwale County
Mwache
Dam
Features
General Feautures:
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Purpose of Dam – Water supply
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Type of Dam - Concrete
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Dam Height - 84 metres
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Crest Length - 526 metres
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Effective Storage Capacity - 127 million M3
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Water Supply Capacity - 186,000 million M3/day
1,000
Hectares of land to be irrigated in Mwache region
+2,000
Farmers to benefit through household and community pans
1.6 M
Resident Beneficiaries from Mombasa and Kwale County
mwache multi-purpose dam main components
Main Dam
The Mwache Dam is a Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC) gravity dam, standing 84 meters high and with a reservoir capacity of 136 million cubic meters. It is designed to supply water to Mombasa and Kwale counties, benefiting over 1.6 million residents.
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mwache multi-purpose dam main components
Minor Dams
The Lower and Upper Check Dams are auxiliary structures designed for sediment management and water regulation. The upper check dam has a storage capacity of approximately 3 million cubic meters, supporting both sediment control and irrigation.
mwache multi-purpose dam main components
Access Roads
The project includes the construction of access roads to facilitate the transportation of materials, equipment, and personnel to and from the dam site, ensuring efficient logistics for ongoing construction activities.
mwache multi-purpose dam main components
Administration Block
The administration block serves as the central hub for project management and operations, coordinating various aspects of the Mwache Dam’s development and implementation.
mwache multi-purpose dam main components
Base Camp
The base camp serves as the operational center, housing staff and storing equipment during the construction phase. It is an essential facility for the logistics and day-to-day operations of the dam project.
mwache multi-purpose dam main components
Staff Clinic
A staff clinic is provided to offer healthcare services to construction workers and nearby communities, ensuring their well-being during the project's construction phase.
