Karimenu II Dam watershed project gets Ksh.200M boost amid compensation row

The Karimenu II Dam water supply project in Gatundu North, Kiambu County — which also serves parts of Nairobi — has received a major boost with a watershed restoration initiative worth over KSh200 million.

The restoration effort, spearheaded by climate change and sustainability stakeholders, targets the Upper Tana and Mid-Galana basins. It will promote agroforestry systems to support Nairobi’s key water reservoirs and enhance rainwater harvesting in groundwater recharge areas, including Mzima Springs.

In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and local community-based organizations, the program will replenish water supplies and plant thousands of indigenous trees along riparian zones to improve water quality.

“This project is aimed at protecting and restoring our watersheds through nature-based solutions and improving water security for millions across the African continent,” said Ruth Masha, Kenya Country Director at TNC.

“We are collaborating with local communities and grassroots partners such as the Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund Trust, Green Generation Initiative, and Jumuiya Water Fund to secure a sustainable future for both people and nature.”

The initiative also seeks to transform degraded farmlands and rangelands through sustainable land management practices. Hundreds of farm ponds and fruit orchards will be established to boost food security and create alternative livelihoods.

“It will be a series of activities — terracing, community education, planting fruit trees and indigenous species — all aimed at ensuring shared benefits for communities.”

Private sector players have also backed the initiative. Alfred Olajide, Vice President for Franchise Operations, East and Central Africa at Coca-Cola, emphasized:

“As water insecurity worsens globally, we are accelerating efforts to address water stress, protect local resources, and strengthen community resilience.”

The Water Stewardship Initiative forms part of a wider USD25 million program to protect critical watersheds and improve access to water and sanitation in 20 African countries by 2030.

Despite the project’s promise, tension remains among residents displaced by the Karimenu II Dam. Many accuse the government of failing to honour compensation pledges.

“I came here hoping to see the Cabinet Secretary for Water address our compensation issue. I am disappointed, and I don’t see the importance of this initiative,” lamented Mr. Simon Nguyai Timothy, a local resident.

In response, Eng. Kamau said compensation was ongoing but admitted delays for those in buffer zones:

“We have compensated where the water is. For the buffer zone, evaluation has been done, figures established, and documents submitted to the National Land Commission. We expect the process of disclosure and compensation to begin soon.”