- President William Ruto promised to revive the stalled multi-billion Arror and Kimwarer dams in Elgeyo Marakwet county
- The projects are expected to cost KSh 63 billion and will address the challenge of water shortages in the region
- Ruto struck a deal with Italian leader Sergio Mattarella to restart the construction of the dams plus Itare in Nakuru
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President William Ruto is set to relaunch the multi-billion shilling Arror and Kimwarer dams mired in corruption.
The head of state revealed the construction of the dams in Elgeyo Marakwet county, his Rift Valley backyard, would begin once the government reaches an agreement with the contractor.
Speaking on Thursday, August 24, in Kabartonjo, Baringo, during the issuance of title deeds to locals, the head of state noted the projects, expected to cost KSh 63 billion, will address the challenge of water shortages in the region.
"I know there have been a lot of issues concerning the two dams, but I want to assure you that we will soon roll out its construction," Ruto said.
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What Ruto signed with Italian PM on dams
In March, Ruto struck a deal with Italian leader Sergio Mattarella to restart the construction of the Arror, Kimwarer and Itare dams.
He said the dams will help the country achieve food security, water delivery to Kenyans and climate action.
He said the court cases surrounding the three dams shall be settled after they agreed to a renegotiation.
"We have committed in good faith to re-establish cooperation on the construction of the Arror, Kimwarer and Itare dams and other water and sanitation projects which are critical in our food security agenda, water delivery and climate action," Ruto said.
Initially, he said allegations that the government had lost KSh 21 billion in the Kimwarer and Arror dams was a flat lie.
He said the amount in question was KSh 7 billion.
Gov't to construct 100 dams
During the Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, 2022, Ruto promised the government would build 100 dams nationwide.
"In the long-term, we plan to partner with the private sector to construct 100 dams across the country for irrigation purposes," said Ruto.
The president said his government plans to double the land under irrigation to 1.4 million acres in three years.
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