The Kenyan government has announced plans to start building six mega dams this year as part of President William Ruto's pledge to construct 50 large dams nationwide. These projects aim to expand irrigation and bolster food security, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas. The counties of Turkana, Baringo, Embu, Isiolo, Kitui, Tharaka Nithi, Tana River, and Kilifi stand to benefit.
The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, has revealed plans to commence construction of six mega dams in 2026. This initiative forms part of President William Ruto's commitment to erect 50 large dams across the country to enhance food production via irrigation. The dams are projected to irrigate around two million acres of land, primarily in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) that have long been underutilized due to erratic rainfall.
Benefiting eight counties including Turkana, Baringo, Embu, and Isiolo, these projects will provide irrigation water to counter climate change impacts. Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho stated, “Whenever rains fail, it affects the farmers greatly, and those are some of the effects of climate change. Irrigation comes in as a mitigating factor. Whenever there is rain, we store water, and when there is drought, we use that water to do irrigation.”
Kimotho highlighted that nearly two million acres have been allocated for nationwide irrigation efforts, targeting drought-prone regions. Programmes Secretary for Irrigation Michael Thuita added that the focus is on ASAL areas like Mandera and the broader North Eastern region, which possess land, sunlight, and labor but lack reliable water infrastructure. These areas cover 80 to 89 percent of Kenya's land yet contribute minimally to national food output. Recurrent droughts have turned them into hotspots for food insecurity and humanitarian aid.
Beyond agriculture, the dams are expected to spur economic growth through agro-processing, value addition, and rural job creation. This aligns with the government's strategy for climate resilience and sustainable farming.