Kisumu: The national government is moving closer to finalizing a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement to complete the stalled Sh19.8 billion Koru-Soin Multipurpose Dam project.
According to Kenya News Agency, Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo has stated that discussions with potential private sector investors are at an advanced stage, with the government committed to ensuring the project’s completion.
Owalo mentioned that the financing model is being fine-tuned under a PPP arrangement, which will not only guarantee the dam’s completion but also ensure sustainable management and operation. The previous model, which relied entirely on government funding, was deemed untenable. The Koru-Soin Dam, spanning Kisumu and Kericho counties, is designed for multiple functions including flood control, water supply, irrigation, and power generation.
Located near the confluence of the Nyando and Sondu rivers, the dam is expected to store up to 93.7 million cubic meters of water and will supply over 70,000 cubic meters of treated water daily to Kisumu City and surrounding towns. Owalo emphasized that the dam offers a long-term solution to the area’s frequent flooding, particularly during the rainy season, which often results in displacement, crop destruction, and infrastructure damage.
During a recent event in Koru, Muhoroni Sub-County, Owalo reiterated the dam’s significance in enhancing water connectivity, supporting irrigation, and boosting electricity production in the region. He assured that the project would be seen through to completion during the current government’s tenure.
Originally conceptualized in the early 1990s and formally launched in 2009, the Koru-Soin Dam has faced numerous setbacks, including land acquisition challenges, budget constraints, and inconsistent political support. In 2022, the project was awarded to China Jiangxi Economic and Technical Cooperation Co., Ltd (CJIC) and China Jiangxi International Economic and Cooperation Company Limited, but progress stalled due to nonpayment issues.
The renewed effort to complete the dam comes amid growing pressure from local leaders and communities, especially as climate change exacerbates flooding in the Nyando area and lower Lake Victoria basin. Owalo noted that the administration is moving away from relying solely on public funding for large projects and is instead leveraging private sector involvement for faster and more efficient delivery.
Local leaders, including Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, have expressed strong support for the project, urging the government to expedite the remaining formalities. Nyong’o highlighted the project’s potential to alleviate local suffering and enhance irrigation and power generation.
If completed, the Koru-Soin Dam could serve as a model for future PPP-driven water infrastructure projects in Kenya, addressing critical climate resilience and economic development challenges in the region.