The State Department for Energy and the State Department for Irrigation held a pivotal follow-up consultative meeting focused on the development of the High Grand Falls Dam and its associated irrigation infrastructure in Kitui, Tana River, and Garissa counties.
The meeting, co-chaired by Energy Principal Secretary Alex Kamau Wachira and Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho, included key stakeholders from line parastatals such as KenGen, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), and project consultants.
The High Grand Falls multipurpose dam is one of the flagship projects under Kenya’s Vision 2030,” PS Wachira stated. “This initiative aligns with the government’s priorities of ensuring access to clean water, achieving food security, controlling floods, and generating reliable power.
“This meeting was co-chaired by myself and the PS for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, attended by the line parastatals including KenGen, EPRA, National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and the consultant. The High grand falls multipurpose dam is one of the flagship projects in Kenya’s vision 2030 which aligns to the government’s priority on access to clean water, food security, flood control and generation of reliable power,” Energy Principal Secretary Alex Kamau Wachira posted on his social media.
The High Grand Falls Dam is poised to be a game-changer in the region, addressing multiple critical needs. It is expected to generate 549 MW of power by 2031, as outlined in the least-cost power development plan.
PS Kimotho highlighted the collaborative efforts between the energy and irrigation departments as vital for the project’s success.
He said the meeting was organized to discuss the progress of the private party and consultation that will lead to involvement of key stakeholders in the delivery of the project to make it more economically viable through generation of power of 1,000 MW, provide water for irrigation in over 400,000acres and also provide clean water in the host and neighboring counties.
“With a focus on creating a multipurpose reservoir for irrigation, power generation, and water supply, the project aims to also mitigate climate change effects, alleviate economic pressures, enhance overall water resource management and flood control, ‘he said.
The consultative meeting reaffirmed the commitment of all stakeholders to the timely and efficient completion of the High Grand Falls Dam, emphasizing its significance in promoting sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for the surrounding communities.
With this project, Kenya moves closer to realizing its Vision 2030 goals, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and resilience.
The dam’s multipurpose benefits, from power generation to irrigation and flood control, are expected to have far-reaching impacts on the country’s development landscape.
