Tensions Rise as Embu County Leaders Clash Over Water Projects

WATER DISPUTE SIMMERING BETWEEN EMBU AND KIRINYAGA COUNTIES
Tensions are rising between Embu and Kirinyaga counties following renewed disputes over access and control of key water sources shared by communities along the border. Local leaders and residents from both sides have accused each other of diverting streams and constructing illegal water intakes, sparking fresh fears of resource-based conflict in the region. The disagreement has now prompted calls for urgent intervention from national government agencies to prevent the situation from escalating.
At the centre of the dispute are several rivers that serve as lifelines for farmers, particularly those relying on irrigation for coffee, tea and horticultural farming. Residents of Embu claim that some Kirinyaga farmers have erected unapproved projects upstream, significantly reducing water flow to downstream users. On the other hand, Kirinyaga locals argue that Embu communities have long benefited disproportionately from the shared water sources and accuse them of attempting to extend their intake networks. Leaders from both counties have held a series of barazas to calm tempers, but tensions remain high, especially as the dry season approaches.
The simmering conflict has drawn concern from water user associations and civil society groups, who warn that continued disputes could destabilize livelihoods and fuel inter-county hostility. Some community elders have urged both sides to embrace dialogue, saying water scarcity should be addressed through structured cooperation rather than competition. Calls have also been made for proper mapping of water infrastructure to ensure transparency and fairness in distribution.
Going forward, officials from the Water Resources Authority (WRA) are expected to convene a joint meeting with leadership from both counties to review permits, assess illegal abstractions, and develop a shared management framework. Stakeholders hope that clear guidelines and stronger enforcement will prevent further disputes and guarantee sustainable access for all communities. With climate change worsening water shortages across the country, leaders are being urged to strengthen collaboration instead of allowing simmering tensions to escalate into a broader inter-county conflict.