SWECO helping to alleviate water shortage in Kenya

SWECO has been commissioned for pre-construction planning of three large water regulation dams on the Ewaso Ng’iro River in Kenya. The dams will control water flows and make it possible to address the shortage of water plaguing parts of the country.

“We have longstanding experience of working with water projects in Africa. In many cases, our assignments are focused on optimising use of the available water resources,” says Kaj Möller, Overseas Manager at SWECO VBB.

The catchment area of the Ewaso Ng’iro River is the largest in Kenya, with an area of approximately 210,000 cubic km that covers more than a third of the country’s surface. The upper reaches of the river receive abundant precipitation during rainy periods, while the lower reaches suffer from a severe water shortage during dry periods.

“The three new dams will regulate flows and alleviate the water shortage downstream, a change that will improve quality of life for the local population, their livestock and wildlife in the area,” says Kaj Möller.

The dams will be placed in forest areas on slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains. The dams will have a height of around 30 meters.

The assignment is being funded by the African Development Bank and the Client is Ewaso Ng’iro North Development Authority in Kenya. All in all, the contract is worth more than EUR 818,000. The work will be carried out together with the local sub-consultant CAS Consultant.