Treasury, Afdb Edge Closer To Securing Key Additional Financing Deal For Completion Of Thwake Dam’s First Phase

Wote, Makueni, June 20, 2025 – The National Treasury and the African Development Bank (AfDB) are on the cusp of finalizing a landmark financial agreement to secure approximately Sh9.6 billion in additional funding to complete Phase 1 of the Thwake Multipurpose Water Development Program, a transformative project poised to reshape livelihoods in Makueni County and beyond. 
The announcement came during a high-level site inspection tour on Friday, attended by top officials from the AfDB, the National Treasury, and the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, signaling a renewed commitment to this critical infrastructure initiative.
Led by Mtchera Chirwa, Director of the AfDB’s Water and Sanitation Department, the delegation included key figures such as Mecuria Assefaw, Regional Sector Manager, Lazarus Phiri, Principal Water and Sanitation Engineer, and Nancy Ogal, Senior Water and Sanitation Officer and Thwake Program Task Manager. The visit underscored the AfDB’s role as a steadfast partner of the Kenyan government, with Chirwa emphasizing the project’s priority due to its potential to enhance water access, irrigation, and socio-economic development. 
“We are considering additional financing for this first phase,” Chirwa stated. “We aim to finalize documentation in the coming weeks to present to the AfDB Board for approval, ensuring the project’s benefits are fully realized upon completion.”
Thwake Dam, now at 94.2% physical completion, is a cornerstone of Kenya’s development agenda. 
Water Secretary Eng. Samuel A.O. Alima highlighted three critical tasks remaining: constructing a bridge over the embankment, completing the concrete face, and installing hydromechanical equipment.

“Once the concrete face is done, we plan to start impounding water during the long rainy season from April to June next year,” Alima revealed. This milestone will mark a significant step toward providing water for domestic use, irrigation, and generating up to 20MW of hydropower, unlocking economic opportunities for local communities.
The project has faced significant challenges, including a weak foundation, a nine-month delay as the embankment settled, disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, and supply chain issues stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which impacted explosive production. Despite these hurdles, Alima noted that plans for downstream works—such as water supply systems, irrigation networks, and power generation—are at an advanced stage, promising long-term benefits for the region.
Michael Kahiti, the AfDB Focal Point at the National Treasury, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the project, emphasizing its role in driving socio-economic upliftment. 
“The National Treasury’s vision is to ensure the community around Thwake benefits from water access and economic opportunities through irrigation and other activities,” Kahiti said. 
“We will cooperate fully with the borrower to support this project in all aspects.” The tour, attended by representatives from the contractor (CGGC), supervising consultant (SMEC), and the Ministry, highlighted a collaborative effort to bring the project to fruition.
Thwake Multipurpose Water Development Program is more than a dam; it’s a lifeline for Makueni, Kitui and surrounding areas, promising improved water security, agricultural productivity, and clean energy. With the AfDB’s financial backing and the government’s resolve, the project is poised to deliver transformative change. As Chirwa noted, “We will not realize the benefits until the first phase is completed.” With financing discussions nearing completion, the Thwake Dam stands as a testament to Kenya’s ambition to harness its natural resources for sustainable development, offering hope for a brighter, more prosperous future for thousands of residents.