Nandi County is set to overcome persistent water scarcity with the upcoming Keben Dam, a Sh500 million project that promises to provide sustainable water supply to schools, institutions, towns, and surrounding communities. The announcement was made by Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui and Governor Stephen Sang during a prize-giving ceremony at Kapsabet Girls High School, where they reassured residents that the government is actively preparing to fund and implement the dam’s design and distribution plan. Once operational, the dam is expected to serve over 60 percent of Nandi County, including Nandi and Kapsabet towns, offering a long-term solution to perennial water shortages.
The project aims to address the chronic lack of water that has affected schools and households for years, especially during dry seasons. Schools like Kapsabet Girls and Boys High Schools, which previously struggled to provide reliable water to students and staff, will benefit from the dam’s extensive distribution system. Governor Sang highlighted that the initiative is part of the county’s broader strategy to ensure that communities along the distribution lines receive consistent and clean water. CS Chelugui underscored that the dam will significantly improve service delivery and community welfare, particularly in water-stressed areas.
Residents and school officials have welcomed the project with optimism. Mary Kiprop, the Senior Principal at Kapsabet Girls High School, said the school has already benefited from a borehole funded by the government, serving over 1,600 students. Community members echoed that Keben Dam will boost not only access to water but also support economic activities, agriculture, and public health. The dam represents a critical investment in Nandi County’s infrastructure, and officials hope it will lay the foundation for sustainable water management and enhance the quality of life for residents across the county.