Thousands of residents in West Pokot County are set to benefit from improved access
to clean and reliable water as the multi-billion Muruny-Siyoi Dam and Kapenguria Water
Supply Project moves closer to completion.
The Sh9.7 billion project, which commenced in 2015, is expected to strengthen water
supply in the county, support irrigation, improve livestock production and stimulate
economic activities once it is completed and officially commissioned.
The flagship water infrastructure project, located along Muruny River in West Pokot
County, comprises the construction of the Muruny-Siyoi Dam, water treatment facilities,
pipelines and storage infrastructure. The dam is designed to hold approximately 12
million cubic metres of water and is expected to serve about 350,000 residents in
Kapenguria and surrounding areas.
West Pokot Deputy Governor H.E. Robert Komolle on Tuesday, 4 th August
2026,received Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eng. Eric Murithi
Mugaa, who led a delegation from the ministry and the National Water Harvesting and
Storage Authority (NWHSA) for an inspection tour of the ongoing works.
The delegation included NWHSA Chairperson Dr Jane Mwikali and Chief Executive
Officer Eng. Julius K. Mugun, who assessed the progress of the project and reviewed
the remaining works ahead of commissioning.
During the inspection, engineers briefed the officials on the final construction activities,
including preparations required to ensure the facility becomes fully operational.
CS Eng. Eric Murithi Mugaa emphasized the need for quality workmanship, timely
completion and accountability in the implementation of the project. He said Kenyans
must receive value for money from public investments, cautioning against excessive
project variations and claims that surpass the actual value of works undertaken.
“Kenyans must get value for money. Project variations and claims should never exceed
the value of the actual works. We must ensure that every project is delivered with
accountability, quality and within the required timelines,” said CS Mugaa.
Speaking during the visit, Deputy Governor Robert Komolle said the completion of the
project will mark a major milestone in addressing persistent water challenges affecting
residents of West Pokot.
“This project will transform the lives of our people by providing reliable water for
domestic use, agriculture and livestock. Water remains a key driver of development, and
we appreciate the government’s commitment towards completing this important
infrastructure,” said Komolle.
The Deputy Governor was accompanied by West Pokot County Executive Committee
Member for Water and Sanitation William Petot, officials from the Ministry of Water,
Sanitation and Irrigation, NWHSA representatives, project engineers and KAWASES
Chief Executive Officer Eng. Haron Ruto.
Once operational, the Muruny-Siyoi Dam is expected to reduce water shortages in the
county by increasing access to safe water while supporting irrigation farming and
livestock production, which are key economic activities for many households.
The project is part of government efforts to expand water harvesting and storage
infrastructure across the country as counties seek long-term solutions to water scarcity
and the effects of climate change.
Residents are now awaiting the official commissioning of the facility, which is expected
to open a new chapter in water security and economic growth for West Pokot County.
This placement strengthens the story because the CS’s remarks provide the
government accountability angle, while the Deputy Governor’s quote provides the
community impact angle.
