Makueni County has hosted a delegation of over 15 agencies from the United Nations and the State Department for Devolution on a learning experimental mission and tour of sand dams and its impact in addressing water shortages, food security, and climate change in Makueni.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., speaking during the tour of the river Kaiti, where sand dams have been constructed, emphasised the need for constructing and investing in more sand dams across rivers, which has assisted them in water conservation and boosting agriculture.
Mutula said the county has over 1000 sand dams, which have been a major source of water for Makueni residents, adding they plan to invest in more and urged the National government to assist in replicating the sand dam conservation technology to the rest of the country.
“This should be a learning experience so that Kenya can come to Makueni, and if this can be replicated all over the country, we are certain we can take care of our rivers,” said Governor Mutula.
State Department for Devolution Principal Secretary, Teresia Mbaika, acknowledged Makueni County’s efforts in water conservation and the construction of 22 sand dams across the Kaiti River that have made water available for the local communities.
Mbaika noted that the UN is one of the partners they have mobilised so far and rallied for more partners to come on board to ensure the conservation of rivers through sand dams is done all over the country.
She also reiterated the government’s support for the initiative, adding it is part of Kenya Kwanza’s plan to ensure food sufficiency.
“You are also aware that it is part of the Kenya Kwanza Administration plan to ensure food sufficiency, and so we cannot have sustainable agriculture when we do not have water,” added the PS.
UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Stephen Jackson, commented on the climate change effects that have hit the country in the past years, with the drought and floods, and hailed Makueni in the development of sand dams that have helped in capturing rainwater that can be used during drought.
Dr. Jackson added that he has brought his colleagues from different UN agencies to learn and experiment on the sand dams and its impact in Makueni.
He underscored the UN’s support in the development of sand dams in other parts of the country, and with its low cost of construction compared to its big impact in communities, he promised to support the initiatives in Makueni and other counties that have not yet been reached.
“The UN has been supporting the construction of sand dams, and together with my colleagues, we want to see how the national government, County government, and international partners can come together and construct many more sand dams,” said Dr. Jackson.
Present during the tour were representatives of multiple UN agencies, the Board Chair of TANATHI Water Works Development Agency (WWDA), Regina Ndambuki, Makueni County Commissioner Dancun Darusi, and Makueni Executive Committee Members, among other guests.
By Albanus Kioko
