The National Water Master Plan Sectorial Report on 1992 identified three sites along the Athi River Basin (Munyu, Baricho and Thwake) having potential for water supply, irrigation and power development. The Government of Kenya (GoK) later conceptualized Thwake Multipurpose Water Development Program (TMWDP) as one of the critical water reservoirs (dams) to help the Semi Arid counties of Machakos, Kitui and Makueni to address perennial water challenges for the rural communities.
