The Turkana County Government in collaboration with the National Programme Coordinating Unit (NPCU) under the Kenya Devolution Support Programme II (KDSP II), has undertaken a Baseline Assessment of Turkwel Dam to establish its current condition ahead of a proposed rehabilitation.

The assessment, conducted in Turkwel Ward, is part of the ongoing review of County Investment Plans under KDSP II to help determine the readiness of the proposed Level 2 project for implementation.

The baseline assessment is also expected to establish the prevailing social, environmental and infrastructural conditions at the project site. This, to identify potential risks and outstanding safeguarding requirements and provide a reference point for monitoring the project’s outcomes and impacts.

Speaking during the assessment, Chief Officer for Administration and Disaster Management, Marian Lotieng, said the exercise would help establish the current condition and the interventions required before rehabilitation begins.

“This assessment gives us an opportunity to understand the current status of Turkwel Dam, identify the challenges affecting its functionality, and put in place the necessary measures to ensure that the proposed rehabilitation is properly planned and implemented,” she said.

She added that the assessment would also help identify any outstanding environmental and social safeguards that need to be addressed as the project progresses.

County KDSP II Programme Coordinator Gabriel Lodoso said the baseline assessment would provide a clear reference point for understanding the situation on the ground and guide subsequent planning.

“The assessment provides us with the required information and will help us establish a clear reference point. This will also help identify key issues for consideration as we move towards the proposed rehabilitation,” he added.

The National Programme Coordinating Unit team, comprising Muthoni Kang’ara and Peris Nyawira, said the assessment would provide an opportunity to verify the information contained in the County Government’s investment plans and establish the project readiness for further consideration.

“The purpose of the exercise is to understand the current situation on ground and establish what is required for the proposed intervention. The findings will help inform the next steps, including the necessary safeguards and technical requirements,” said Kang’ara.

Turkwel Village Unit Administrator Eleman David said the dam historically supported three irrigation schemes which include Tisa, Napool and Nanye, enabling communities in the area to engage in farming.

He noted that the dam’s current state has affected irrigation activities, with farming largely disrupted due to inadequate water supply.

Once rehabilitated and fully operational, the facility is expected to benefit approximately 450 farmers in Tisa, 350 in Napool and 800 in Nanye irrigation schemes.

Chairperson of Tisa Irrigation Scheme Francis Esibitar, however, raised concerns over the condition of the dam ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains.

“We are currently living in fear of El Niño. We believe that if there will be floods, people, animals and farms will be affected because the dam has not yet been rehabilitated and may not hold water as required,” said Esibitar.

Highlighting the challenging spread of Prosopis Juliflora ( Etirae or Mathenge) around the dam, he appealed for timely intervention before the onset of the rains, noting that flooding could further affect farmers, livestock and farms in the area.

The findings from the baseline assessment will inform further review by the NPCU and guide subsequent project design, safeguard assessment, and implementation of decisions under KDSP II.

Environmental Safeguards Focal Person Ekadeli Philemon, Loima Sub-County Administrator Jackson Imana and more representatives from the three irrigation schemes were also present.

by Peter Gitonga