Keben dam project advances as LVNWWDA engages Nandi residents

The Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency (LVNWWDA) is advancing preparations for the Keben Dam Water Supply Project in Nandi County through public participation and community sensitisation meetings aimed at involving residents ahead of the project’s implementation.

The exercise, being conducted at Koilot in Lessos on October 28, 2026, provides an opportunity for residents to understand the proposed development, learn about its expected benefits and raise concerns regarding the planned construction and water supply infrastructure.

The Keben Dam project is expected to strengthen water supply in Nandi County by improving the availability and reliability of treated water for households, businesses and public institutions. The development is also intended to support growing urban centres, including Kapsabet, Nandi Hills, Kaptumo and Lessos.

According to previous reports, the project was initially commissioned in 2016 but stalled in 2019. It was subsequently redesigned and revived in 2026, with an expanded scope intended to improve water storage, treatment and distribution.

The reported contract value stands at approximately KSh23.6 billion, reflecting the expanded infrastructure requirements. The project includes a proposed 43-metre-high dam along the Mogobich River, with a reservoir capacity of approximately five million cubic metres.

Under the expanded design reported in 2026, the water treatment plant is expected to process up to 26,715 cubic metres of water daily. The associated infrastructure includes transmission and distribution pipelines, storage facilities and household connections to deliver treated water to targeted communities.

The project is expected to benefit residents by helping address water shortages and supporting improved living standards. A more reliable supply could also strengthen commercial activities and enable public institutions to serve communities more effectively.

Employment opportunities are another anticipated benefit. During recent community engagements, LVNWWDA Director Abraham Cheruiyot said the agency intended to ensure that local residents account for 70 per cent of workers at the construction site. If implemented, the commitment would provide opportunities for residents to participate directly in the project’s development.

LVNWWDA Chief Executive Officer Joel Wamalwa has also indicated that the project could help residents obtain water at lower costs once it becomes operational.

The ongoing public participation exercise is an important step in communicating the project’s objectives and ensuring that community concerns are considered as preparations continue. Engaging residents can help improve understanding of the planned infrastructure and promote cooperation between the implementing agency and the communities expected to benefit.

Once completed and operational, the Keben Dam project is expected to strengthen Nandi County’s water supply capacity, support the growth of surrounding towns and improve the long-term reliability of water services.

The project’s success will depend on effective implementation, completion of the distribution network and sustainable management of the water resources serving the beneficiary communities.