Nestled in the center of Kenya, Isiolo County has long struggled with ongoing water scarcity, which has posed major challenges to agricultural output.
The county’s proposed Sh30.9 billion dam project may provide a long-term fix for the area’s water issues.
The proposed dam’s site was inspected last week by Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho and Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo of Isiolo.
Guyo predicted that the Crocodile Jaw dam will significantly increase the county’s level of food security.
According to the county executive, when the dam is full, it is expected to retain 315 million cubic meters of water.
“The dam is a game changer in supporting food security with continuous cropping and livestock value chains in the wake of climate change… The project will also improve climate resilience and improve the livelihoods of the people of Isiolo county,” Guyo said.
The governor stated that the main goal of the Crocodile Jaw dam was to solve Isiolo’s urgent problems with insufficient irrigation and water scarcity.
He emphasized the many advantages the project seeks to bring to Isiolo, including the provision of fresh water, irrigation support, and energy.
An earlier attempt by the National Water Conservation to build a massive dam close to the Ewaso Ng’iro River was unsuccessful.
The Crocodile Jaw dam will add 58,473 cubic meters of additional water to the daily supply for industrial and residential purposes. For irrigation, an additional 46,656 cubic meters will be utilized.
The project will be carried out by the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority.
According to Guyo, one important benefit of the dam project is that it will give Isiolo and the surrounding area a gravity-fed water supply.
In order to address concerns about public participation and other issues, Governor Guyo also visited with contractors at the site.
He gave them his word that the residents’ best interests were taken into consideration when designing the project.
The Crocodile Jaw dam has the potential to drastically alter Isiolo’s agricultural environment.
The Crocodile Jaw dam is part of Kenya Kwanza’s ambition to construct 100 mega and 1,000 small dams around the country.
Guyo stated in December 2023 that the procedure to prepare 290 acres for irrigation was nearing completion. Guyo reported allocating 290 acres for the irrigation projects of Malkadaka, Bulesa, and Ngaremara.
193 irrigation projects that received Sh5.5 billion have been put on hold nationwide, according to the National Treasury.
