Dispute over cash delays projects

Construction of multi-billion shilling water and electricity projects in two North Rift counties have been delayed after State agencies and locals differed on the mode of compensation.

The State rolled out plans to construct two multi-purpose dams in Elgeyo Marakwet and two other dams in neighbouring Uasin Gishu County under the Vision 2030 flagship project.

The projects are Sh35 billion Arror dam and Sh28 billion Kimwarer multi-purpose dam in Elgeyo Marakwet while in Uasin Gishu the state plans to establish two dams at a cost of Sh71 million

In Soy South Ward, where Kimwarer dam will be established, residents told Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), which is implementing the project that they have been kept in the dark on crucial matters.

“We want to register our displeasure as the people whose settlements will be affected by this project. We have seen KVDA officials and their agents doing land surveys on our farms when we have not agreed on how we will be compensated,” said Helen Ruto, a resident.

Efforts to get comments from KVDA managing director and board chairman Jackson Kiptanui were futile.