Governors Wavinya Ndeti of Machakos and Julius Malombe of Kitui have joined forces to create an Ad-hoc committee aimed at ensuring residents in both counties benefit equitably from Masinga Dam’s resources.
The newly-formed Ad-hoc Committee, comprising senior water officials from both counties, has been tasked with managing and overseeing the fair distribution of Masinga Dam’s water. This initiative follows a prolonged dispute between residents of Machakos and Kitui, with each county seeking greater access to the dam’s water, located in Machakos.
Speaking to the press outside her office, Governor Ndeti expressed optimism about the collaborative effort, highlighting their commitment to serving their constituents’ water needs. “Dr. Malombe and I have convened with our water department teams to ensure that Masinga Dam’s water benefits both Machakos and Kitui equally,” she stated.
Ndeti added that the committee would focus on resolving longstanding challenges surrounding the dam’s usage, ensuring a fair and just approach to this shared natural resource. Malombe echoed her sentiments, affirming their commitment to lasting solutions. He shared that technical teams from both counties have already begun formulating plans, including a timetable to address the fair usage of Masinga Dam.
Masinga Dam, Kenya’s largest man-made lake, spans 2,200 meters and holds up to 1.56 billion cubic meters of water. As part of the Seven Forks catchment area, it serves agricultural, industrial, and recreational needs, as well as water regulation, with its emergency spillway preventing flooding.
The governors’ joint initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring that both counties benefit sustainably from this vital resource.
