The Government has officially commissioned the rehabilitated Uyi Earth Dam, a critical water infrastructure project aimed at addressing water scarcity and strengthening drought resilience in Makueni County.
The project, a collaborative effort between the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development, National Drought Management Authority and the Makueni County Government, marks a significant milestone in the county’s efforts to combat water scarcity.
Speaking at the commissioning of the project, the Principal Secretary for ASALs and Regional Development, Mr. Harsama Kello CBS, highlighted the project’s transformative impact, noting that it goes beyond infrastructure to become a lifeline for the community. “This dam is a game-changer. It will not only provide water but also improve nutrition, enhance economic opportunities, and protect the environment for future generations,” he said. He further emphasised the government’s commitment to shifting from short-term relief interventions to long-term resilience-building strategies.
The event was also graced by Makueni County Governor H.E. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. NDMA Board members led by the Chairman Mr. Shallow Yahya, and NDMA CEO Lt Col (Rtd) Hared Adan and senior Government officials.
The Uyi Earth Dam rehabilitation, which cost KSh 54 million, was made possible through combined efforts. The NDMA, through the National Drought Emergency Fund, contributed KSh 39 million, facilitating reservoir desilting and expansion, embankment and check dams, installation of solar pumping draw-off system, construction of water filtration unit, construction of gravitational dosing unit, supply of water treatment chemicals, and installation of 1,216 metre chain link fence.
Makueni County Government invested KSh 9.99 million in a 5.6km water pipeline, water kiosks, storage tanks, and connections to learning institutions such as Yikitaa and Yikivuthi primary schools and Yikitaa Secondary School. Additionally, the local community played a vital role by contributing land and materials worth KSh 5 million.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo commended the partnership, highlighting the dam as a vital investment in the well-being of the local community. He emphasised its significance as one of NDMA’s most impactful resilience projects, ensuring access to water even amid ongoing drought conditions. Recognising its transformative role, he likened the dam to an oasis in Masongaleni. The governor also encouraged residents to protect the resource through conservation efforts, such as tree planting around the catchment area, and pledged to expand similar initiatives across the county.
One of the unique aspects of the Uyi Earth Dam is its dual water source, combining rainwater harvesting with a natural spring to provide a steady supply even during prolonged dry seasons. With a storage capacity of 154,745 cubic metres, the dam has significantly reduced the trekking distance to fetch water from 15km to less than 5km. This development is set to enhance household nutrition, boost agricultural, and increase livestock productivity.
NDMA Board Chairman, Mr. Shallow Yahya, praised the initiative, describing it as a model for sustainable, community-driven water solutions. “This project aligns with NDMA’s long-term vision of enhancing resilience in ASALs. We encourage other partners to replicate similar interventions in other drought-prone areas,” he said.
NDMA Board members from Right: CEO Lt Col. (Rtd) Hared Hassan Adan, Ms. Leah Sambai, Chairman Mr. Shallow Abdullahi Yahya, Ms. Rael Limolel, Dr. Mary Lonyangapuo and Mr. Robert Kiteme at the Uyi Earth Dam communal water point in Masongaleni ward, Makueni County.
The urgency of such interventions was further emphasised by NDMA CEO, Lt Col (Rtd) Hared Adan, who highlighted the ongoing drought stress in Makueni County. Over 104,200 residents are currently food insecure, with projections estimating that the number will rise to 156,300 by mid-year. “This dam lays the foundation for long-term resilience, but our work does not stop here. The community must take ownership, manage it responsibly, and ensure sustainability,” he urged.
The dam is expected to benefit more than 7,800 residents, along with 8,000 cattle and 15,000 goats in Ngwata and Ulilinzi locations. Additionally, it will lower household water costs, enhance agricultural productivity, and mitigate risks associated with sourcing water from unsafe locations such as the Athi River, where residents have encountered human wildlife conflict.
This transformative project, which stems from participatory community-led assessments conducted in 2018 and 2023, underscores NDMA’s commitment to building long-term resilience in ASAL counties.