MAKUENI: In the sun-scorched counties of Makueni and Kitui, where the Thwake and Athi rivers converge, the Thwake Multipurpose Dam stands as a beacon of hope for over 1.3 million rural inhabitants drawn from the regions. Promising water security, irrigation, and hydropower, the dam is a cornerstone of Kenya’s Vision 2030. Yet, beneath its towering 80.5-meter embankment lies a sobering reality-the need to create awareness in the communities of the risk of a dam break, which is a rare but catastrophic possibility that could flood downstream communities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation and the Program Implementation Team (PIT), through a consultant, conducted a month-long sensitization session on dam break awareness for residents living in the downstream areas in at least five counties. Community awareness communication campaigns were conducted in the counties of Tana River, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Kitui, and Makueni for the project co-funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
“As recommended by the Dam Break Analysis study conducted in the year 2020, the purpose of this exercise is to undertake sensitization and awareness campaigns on the Thwake Dam and at the same time disseminate to the County Security Committees, who are expected to be the focal point leaders in emergency situations,” said the Program Coordinator, Eng. David Onyango, during a visit to Makueni County Commissioner Duncan Darusi. Similar courtesy calls and community sensitization campaigns were conducted in Kitui, Taita Taveta, Tana River, and Kilifi where hundreds of locals attended. Eng. Onyango added that the exercise aligns with the requirements of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD).
ICOLD emphasizes the importance of Emergency Preparedness Plans (EPPs) for dams, particularly high-hazard ones. These plans include provisions for public notification and evacuation in the event of a dam break, with dam builders clearly outlining communication protocols to inform downstream communities of potential risks. Dam owners are encouraged to collaborate with local authorities to ensure residents understand the risks and know evacuation procedures.
The sessions were conducted through workshops, town hall meetings, and informational sessions to educate communities about dam safety, flood risks, and evacuation routes. During the sessions, the team also distributed information, education, and communication materials like brochures and branded merchandise explaining the consequences of a dam break and preparedness measures.
“The purpose of the consultancy services is to implement recommendations of the Thwake Dam Break Analysis EPP study, in particular sensitizing stakeholders and communities living downstream of the dam on general procedures to reduce the risk of human life loss and injury and minimize property damage during an unusual or emergency event at Thwake Dam,” emphasized Eng. Elijah Kimani, the Team Leader at Francis-Allen Consultancy, the firm which undertook the exercise.
The Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation and AfDB recognize that technology alone isn’t enough-community awareness is equally critical. In Kisayani village, Makueni County, 57-year-old farmer Rhoda Katumbi Kele, a village elder, became an early advocate. Having hauled water from the Thwake River for years, she understood the dam’s promise but also its risks. “We’ve seen floods before, but nothing like what a dam break could bring,” she told her neighbours at a community meeting. Her voice carried weight, and soon, Kisayani became a hub for the campaign’s grassroots efforts.
The campaign’s core message was simple yet urgent: “Know the Risk, Be Prepared.” It is aimed at educating communities about the signs of a potential dam break, evacuation routes, and emergency protocols without sparking panic. Materials were tailored to the region’s context-translated into Kamba and Swahili, with visuals for low-literacy audiences. Radio broadcasts on local stations aired jingles and talk shows, while posters and flyers were distributed at markets and churches.
As the first phase of the dam nears completion, the sensitization campaign is transitioning into a permanent flood management framework. The TMWDP plans to establish a regional dam safety office, staffed by locals to monitor risks and maintain awareness. “The Thwake Dam Break Awareness Sensitization Campaign is more than a precaution; it’s a testament to a community’s strength. By blending cutting-edge science with grassroots grit, it has turned a potential threat into a story of empowerment, ensuring that the ripples of the Thwake Dam bring life, not loss, to Kenya’s Lower Eastern region,” added Darusi.