The Cabinet has approved an additional $128 million (KSh16.6 billion) to complete the long-delayed Mwache Multipurpose Dam in Kwale County, expected to boost water security for the Coast region.
According to a Cabinet dispatch released February 10, the fresh financing is intended to close a funding gap created by cost escalations that stalled progress on the flagship project.
The money will go toward the completion of civil works, land compensation, environmental safeguards, and catchment restoration.
“The dam will supply 186,000 cubic metres of water a day to Kwale and Mombasa counties, but has faced a funding gap due to cost escalations. The financing will cover completion of civil works, land compensation, environmental safeguards, and catchment restoration,” read the dispatch from statehouse.
Once finished, the dam is expected to supply 186,000 cubic metres of water per day to both Kwale and Mombasa counties, easing chronic shortages that have affected households and industries in the region.”
Beyond domestic water supply, the Mwache project will also support irrigation and enhance climate resilience, making it one of the key infrastructure interventions aimed at cushioning communities from the impact of droughts.
The government views the completion of the dam as a strategic investment in expanding access to clean water and supporting agricultural productivity along the Coast.
