Projects

Mwache Dam Secures Sh16.6bn for Final Works

The dam will provide 80% of Kwale’s daily water requirement.

Updated on

July 1, 2026

Mwache Dam has received a Sh16.6 billion funding boost, clearing the way for the completion of its remaining works as the project enters its final construction phase.

Construction of Mwache Dam in Kwale has been underway, following a groundbreaking ceremony on the site of the Sh18 billion project that has been delayed for years.

The project, which was approved 10 years ago, had failed to kick off due to land compensation issues between landowners and the government.

It was also delayed by the relocation of pipelines, Mwache Bridge, Nunguni ECDE Centres, Fulugani Primary School, and the re-routing of roads.

Relocation of graves and shrines also proved problematic.

According to the government, the issues have now been fully resolved – paving the way for full-scale construction works to continue.

Speaking during the groundbreaking in April 2023, President William Ruto said Mwache Dam will supply over 186 million litres daily for irrigation and domestic use.

“This will benefit at least 1.6 million people in Kwale and Mombasa counties,” President Ruto said.

Mwache Dam will be located in Fulugani village, 26km west of Mombasa.

The project was initially expected to be completed in August 2026.

Sh20 billion

In 2015, Kenya signed a Sh20 billion deal with the World Bank for the project – as part of the Paris Pact Flagship Project that seeks to build resilient water systems in global cities.

However, the project stalled due to disagreements between local leaders and national government officials over the compensation terms for landowners, with some leaders demanding at least Sh1 million per acre.

Mwache Dam, which was designed by a consortium of engineers from Japan, Kenya, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, including the Association of Nippon Koei Consulting Engineers Ltd, Mangat I.B. Patel (MIBP) Ltd, AF Consult, and Dr. M.R.H. Dunstan of MD&A, is planned as a Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC) gravity dam and will be the first of its kind in East Africa.

The project, initiated by the State in 2013, is part of the second phase of the Water Security and Climate Resilience programme focusing on Mombasa and Kwale counties.