Kwale Governor Launches Sh45 Million Shauri Moyo Dam to Boost Water Security in Samburu Sub-County
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has launched the construction of the Sh45.7 million Shauri Moyo multipurpose dam, a major investment aimed at easing water shortages in Silaloni area of Samburu Sub-county. The project, which will store up to 151 million litres of water, is expected to transform access to clean water for households, farms, and livestock across Silaloni location and neighbouring communities that have struggled with decades of water scarcity.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Achani said the dam is part of an aggressive countywide programme to expand water infrastructure and cushion residents from the impacts of persistent drought. The project joins other large-scale water investments underway, including the Sh20 billion Mwache multipurpose dam and the Sh1.6 billion Makamini dam. She noted that the newly completed Nyalani Dam, which cost Sh15 million, is already benefiting more than 22,000 people in Kinango Sub-county. Achani said the current drought has worsened conditions in Kwale, with about 200,000 people in Kinango, Shimba Hills, Samburu and Lunga Lunga areas requiring urgent relief support.
Local leaders praised the Shauri Moyo project, describing it as a timely intervention for a region where women, children and pastoralists often walk long distances to access water. Achani, who chairs the County Drought Response Coordination Committee, said the devolved government is expanding boreholes, rehabilitating water systems, and supporting food distribution to cushion the most affected families. She noted that water remains central to her administration’s development agenda, especially for communities living in arid and semi-arid areas of the county.
Looking ahead, the governor said her administration plans to construct at least one major dam in each of Kwale’s six sub-counties to support irrigation, boost agricultural production and stabilize household incomes. The Shauri Moyo project, expected to be completed within four months, will supply water for domestic use, farming and drought preparedness. Achani added that the county has already put measures in place to strengthen irrigation farming, restore existing water systems and promote long-term food security. She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring every community in Kwale accesses safe, reliable and affordable water—an essential right for healthy and dignified living.