Reservoir Dams in Kirinyaga
Thiba Dam: Bolstering Rice Production
Found between Njine Kabia Falls (above) and the more famous same-name Thiba Falls (below) in Rukenya, along Thiba River, Thiba Dam, of a recent development, is not only an invaluable resource for farmers in the area, but has added much to the beauty of this farming enclave. Kwa Waweru Thiba Dam Viewpoint is a great vantage to view the reservoir, surrounded by low hills and farms, and take in this engineering marvel that is tipped to forever transform the livelihoods of the area.
Also known as Rukenya Dam, construction of Thiba Dam began in September of 2016 but faced interruptions due to funding challenges. Work resumed in January 2020 following a financial boost, and the dam was completed and commissioned for operational use on October 15, 2022, by President William Ruto. It represents a pivotal development in Kenya’s agricultural sector, underscoring the importance of sustainable water resource management in achieving viable economic growth.
Its dam, standing 40 meters tall and spanning 1 kilometer in length, holds back a vast reservoir with a storage capacity of 15.6 million cubic meters, including a dead storage of 4 million cubic meters. The primary objective of Thiba Dam is to provide a reliable, year-round water supply to the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, the largest rice-growing scheme in Kenya. By stabilizing water availability, the dam enables farmers to cultivate their fields throughout the year, doubling the output.
Envisioned to cost Kes. 20 billion at inception, Thiba Dam has, gradually, begun transforming and improving the outmoded irrigation facilities at the Mwea Rice Irrigation Scheme, by enhancing its rice crop production and providing a stable supply of water required by the scheme – from the current 80,000 to 160,000 tonnes of paddy annually. What’s more, a resort city which includes a golf course is under planning in company with a new proposed route to climb Mount Kenya.
Kenya has several reservoir dams that play a consequential roles in water supply, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, flood control, and other water-related activities. The most famous of these are Seven Forks Dams along the Tana River. While reservoir dams are critical infrastructure projects that contribute to Kenya’s economic development, they are also visually stunning go-to destinations.
Index of Dams in Kenya
Baringo County - Chemususu Dam, Kirandich Dam, Bungoma County - Chwele Dam, Muyayi Dam, Makhonge Dam, Kabuchai Dam, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Kimwarer Dam, Arrow Dam, Chebara Dam, Embu County - Gitaru Dam, Kamburu Dam, Masinga Dam, Kiambere Dam, Kindaruma Dam, Kajiado County - The Kiserian Dam, Kericho County - Chemusot Dam, Dimbolil Dam, Londiani Dam, Kiambu County - Ruiru Dam, Thika Dam, Kirinyaga County - Thiba Dam, Kwale County - The Mukurumudzi Dam, Nyalani Dam, Machakos County - Maruba Dam, Makueni County - The Mulima Dam, Mannoni Dam, Katilini, Ndukuma Dam, Thwake Dam, Migori County - Kebharisia Dam, Muranga County - The Ndakaini Dam, Maragua Dam, Mathioya Dam, Nairobi County - Nairobi Dam, Nyamira County - Bonyunyu Dam, Nyandarua County - Matches Dam, Sasamua Dam, Nyahururu Dam, Nyeri County - Chinga Dam, Wanjii Dam, Uasin Gishu County - Kesses Dam, Two Rivers Dam, West Pokot County - The Turkwel Gorge Dam
Known for its agricultural productivity, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural heritage, Kirinyaga is a key contributor to Kenya’s economy. Located at the foot of Mount Kenya, its landscape is characterized by lush green tea and coffee farms, rivers, and rolling hills, and the weather, year-round, is temperate and salubrious.
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A Guide to Kirinyaga County
A Summa Digest of Kirinyaga
About Kirinyaga Way Back When
35 Destinations in Kirinyaga County, arranged as one would visit these - south, west, east then south - with the aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Sagana Getaway Resort, Camp Malta, Tana Station, Thingira Cultural Village, Kwetu Home, Gatitika Falls, River Nyamindi, Mwea Rice Scheme, Mwea Classic Marathon, Ndaraca ya Ngai, Rukenya Islands, Murinduko Hill, Njukiini Forest, Kijani Camp, Timstep Hotel & Campsite, Savage Wilderness, Rapids Camp, Sagana Fisheries, Ruamuthambi Falls, Thiba Falls, Thiba Dam, Kamuruana Hill, Ragati Conservancy, Kiburi Farm & Stay, Thiba Fishing Camp, Outdoorsman Cabins, Kathiri Falls, Castle Forest Lodge, Castle Falls, Mount Kenya, Kamweti Route, Kangere Falls, Gichugu Farms, Karumandi Falls
Know More About Kirinyaga County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - with aid of strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Kirinyaga has a true tropical climate with equatorial rainfall pattern. Mean temperature ranges from a low of 8oC in the upper zones to 30oC in the lower zones about Mwea.
Mount Kenya, occupying on the northern half of Kirinyaga, to a large extent influences both the landscape and the climate. The dryer lowland, typified by pleasant rolling plains, covers most of Mwea.