How safe are Kenyan dams ahead of El Niño?
The National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA) has commenced emergency dam safety works at Maruba Dam in Machakos as part of measures to enhance the safety and resilience of critical water infrastructure ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains.
The intervention follows the identification of longitudinal cracking along the dam crest, with the emergency works aimed at reducing the risk of further deterioration and limiting rainfall infiltration through the affected areas.
The Authority says that significant progress has been recorded, including cleaning, sealing and compaction of open crest cracks, placement and compaction of murram, crest grading, installation of access-control barriers and establishment of baseline technical and monitoring information.
The works are designed to provide immediate protection while strengthening monitoring and preparedness during the rainy season. Outstanding activities include installation of additional crack and deformation-monitoring instruments, establishment of baseline readings and continued weekly inspections.
Maruba Dam is a strategic water-storage facility supplying water to Machakos town and surrounding areas. This comes at a time when Kenya’s dams are under increased scrutiny ahead of the expected 2026 October–December heavy-rainfall season. Safety of the dams however varies by dam, reservoir level, structural condition, spillway capacity, operating procedures and the vulnerability of communities downstream.
The immediate concern is the forecast of above-average rainfall across much of Kenya. The Kenya Meteorological Department’s outlook indicates enhanced rainfall during the October–December 2026 season, with above-average rainfall expected across roughly 80% of the country. Authorities are therefore preparing for flooding, landslides and rapid rises in river and reservoir levels.
