The government has commissioned the Sh59 million Chebagon Dam and officially launched the Emsoo Water Distribution Network and School Greening Programme in Elgeyo Marakwet County, a move hailed as a significant boost to food security, household income, and environmental conservation in the region.
The Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, ASALs, and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul Moe, who presided over the commissioning ceremony, lauded the project as a partnership between the national government and the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government.
She underscored the need for water security to support agriculture, livestock rearing, and domestic use. "Kenyans need water for many things-home consumption, food production, and for their livestock," said CS Askul. "The County Government has done its part, and we are anticipating doing even more, including plans to install elevated tanks to serve households far from the water source." She further revealed plans for another dam project, to be implemented under the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), which will cost Sh100 million.
Governor Wisley Rotich welcomed the development, terming it a much-needed intervention in a region with great agricultural potential but constrained by water scarcity. "This dam is a highly welcome project.
