PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUTO COMMISSIONS ETIO AND YOKOT DAMS IN KEIYO NORTH

At least 14,000 households in Keiyo North Sub County can now access clean piped water at their doorsteps after the rehabilitation of two previously collapsed dams in the region. The Etio and Yokot dams, located in Kamariny Ward, were rehabilitated by the Kerio Valley Development Authority(KVDA) and officially commissioned by H.E. President William Ruto. In addition to providing safe water, the restored dams will support irrigated farming on an extra 1,000 acres of land. For decades, residents had to walk long distances in search of water for domestic use after the colonial-era dams silted up and lost capacity.

 During the rainy season, they transformed into flood plains but would dry up once the rains ended. With the dams now restored and water supply piped directly to homes, the community anticipates increased household incomes through sustainable farming, enhanced food security, and environmental conservation efforts such as fruit tree planting.

The dams are also expected to boost fish farming, creating new sources of income. The Yokot Dam has already been stocked with 100,000 fish fingerlings following its commissioning. The region is well suited for growing a variety of crops including maize, avocados, macadamia, pyrethrum, coffee, potatoes, passion fruits, beans, kale, and cabbages. KVDA Managing Director Sammy Naporos noted that beyond Etio and Yokot, the authority is rolling out drought resilience programs across six counties in Northern Kenya by constructing 71 water projects. He explained that the dams will harvest and store rainwater for use in households, livestock farming, and agriculture during dry spells, thereby reducing hunger and improving living standards.

 KVDA Chairman Mark Chesergon added that the projects will significantly benefit local livelihoods and help mitigate climate change, as each includes an environmental conservation component. Local residents expressed their joy, describing the water projects as transformative in fighting hunger and improving their economic and social well-being.