Kenya To Revive Soin-Koru Dam Project In A Bid To Bolster Rice Production And Food Security

Kenya’s efforts to revive the stalled Soin-Koru Dam project mark a significant step toward enhancing food security, improving the economy, and empowering local farmers — particularly rice growers in the Ahero Irrigation Scheme. The KES 19.9 billion (US$122M) multi-purpose dam, located on the border of Kericho and Kisumu counties, stands as a beacon of hope for transforming agricultural productivity and water management in the region.
The Soin-Koru Dam project, originally launched in August 2022, faced setbacks after stalling in September 2023 due to financial constraints. However, the national government’s renewed commitment to jumpstart the project, including allocating fresh funds, signals a turning point. Kericho County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo reassured farmers that they should continue cultivating their land as compensation processes are finalized. The National Lands Commission has already submitted valuation reports for the second phase of the project, covering approximately 478 land parcels and 1,200 landowners. While further evaluations may be required to reflect current market values, the government’s pledge to ensure timely compensation remains steadfast.
Liaison officer Ms. Irine Chemutai elaborated on the dam’s extensive scope, highlighting its 2,170-acre footprint, water storage capacity of 93.7 million cubic meters, and targeted completion by August 2027. The project’s primary contractor, China Jiangxi International Kenya Limited, has resumed mobilization efforts, achieving notable milestones such as 50% excavation of the spillway and setting up essential infrastructure like campsites and geotechnical investigation facilities.
Once completed, the Soin-Koru Dam will deliver far-reaching benefits. For rice farmers in Ahero, the dam’s gravity-fed water supply system will replace costly electric pumps — which currently burden farmers with monthly bills as high as KES 4.5 million. By eliminating this expense, production costs will drop significantly, improving profitability for over 30,000 farmers reliant on the irrigation scheme. This economic boost aligns seamlessly with the National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS) 2019-2030, which aims to increase rice output from 128,000 tonnes to an ambitious 846,000 tonnes by 2030, propelling Kenya toward self-sufficiency in rice production.
Beyond agriculture, the dam promises to revolutionize regional water access and energy production. It will supply 72,000 cubic meters of water daily to towns including Kapsoit, Kaitui, Kipsitet, Katitu, Muhoroni, Awasi, and Ahero, ensuring clean and reliable water for both domestic and livestock use. Furthermore, the dam is projected to generate 2.5 megawatts of hydroelectric power at the Sondu Miriu Power Station — contributing to Kenya’s renewable energy mix and enhancing rural electrification.
The Soin-Koru Dam also holds critical potential for flood control. Situated on the River Nyando, notorious for its destructive seasonal flooding, the dam’s capacity to store peak floodwaters will safeguard downstream communities and infrastructure from recurring devastation. This strategic water management approach not only protects livelihoods but also fosters long-term sustainability in farming, livestock rearing, and urban development.
Cabinet Secretary for Water and Irrigation, Zachariah Njeru, underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to seeing the project through. By securing additional funding and negotiating with contractors to resume work, Kenya is charting a path toward agricultural resilience, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
The revival of the Soin-Koru Dam exemplifies Kenya’s proactive approach to tackling food insecurity, empowering farmers, and fortifying the national economy. As the project gains momentum, it holds the promise of reshaping Kericho and Kisumu’s agricultural landscapes, ensuring water security, and fostering a more prosperous future for the region and the nation at large.