Reservoir Dams in Muranga
Ndakaini Dam: Prettier Than A Lake
While Ndakaini Dam sits in Muranga County, it is associated more with Kiambu thanks of its close proximity to Thika. Which is why, it is sometimes known as Thika Dam. Commissioned in 1998 with a catchment area of 75 km2, damming River Thika and fed by the Githika and Kayuyu Rivers, and plenty of rainfall, it unfailingly supplies clean water to 85% of residents in Nairobi. Ndakaini Dam is also known for its reposeful serenity, picturesque settings, and natural charm.
Famous for its azure to emerald-green waters, depending on the reservoir level, encircled by a healthful verdant forested landscape, Ndakaini Dam is a timeless fairyland often sold short. The sheer dimension and immense capacity of the dam reservoir, with surface area of 280 hectares or 2.8 km2, resembles an alpine lake, if not prettier, backdropped by gentle hills within Kimakia and Gatare forests. It tends to have a charming and surprising effect on anyone who visits it especially soon after the rain seasons (in May and December) when it fills to overflowing.
Entry is free, and taking frolicky walks about its periphery is the most popular activity. Its remote setting and clear blue waters make it a perfect spot for quiet reflection and walking. It often feels a bit like standing in front of a calming and pretty lake scopic in all its glory. Peering out from the safety of the embarkment, with a well-kept grassed clearing, it is salutary to note that this picturesque dam, beautifully-sited in the tranquil and blithe rural village of Gatanga, is man-made.
The delightful Ndakaini Dam reservoir sits behind a 63 ms high, 458 ms crest long reinforced earthfill embarkment dam on Thika River, with a maximum depth of 65 ms, which is well visible when the water levels are low. A word of caution for the visitors: despite its clear waters, ideal for swimming and boating, it is not allowed owing to its importance as an invaluable source of water. It is located 51 km from Thika along C67 Thika-Gatura Road that terminates at Njambini-Flyover Junction.
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
Murang’a County is a rich agricultural and cultural hub, known for its historical significance, beautiful landscapes, and important role in Kenya’s tea and coffee industries. The scenic hillscapes and cultural heritage makes Murang’a County a fascinating destination for visitors interested in nature, history, and agriculture.
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A Guide to Muranga County
A Summa Digest of Muranga
About Muranga Way Back When
40 Destinations in Muranga County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north, west then east - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Gatura Greens Purple Tea Farm Tours, Kimakia Tea Cottage, Kimakia Falls, Kanunga Falls, Ndakaini Dam, Ndakaini Dam Marathon, Muchiri's Resort, Aberdare Forest, Elephant Hill, Aberdare Bongo Ecolodge, Ranges View Lodge, Manguyo Falls, Mathioya River, Kenya Fly Fishers (Southern Camp), Aberdare Cottages and Fishing Lodge, Mathioya River Lodge, Karuri Gakure Grave Site, Tuthu Catholic Church, Mukurwe Wa Gathanga, Karia Ka Mbari Ya Ngware, Wangu Wa Makeri Shrine, C70 Gacharage-Kangema Road, Maragua Dam, Maragua Falls, Old A2 Route, Muranga town, Kakuzi Boran Barn, Makuyu Golf Club, Makuyu Ridge, Eco Farmhouse, Muranga Gorges, Mathioya Dam, Muranga (St. James & All Martyrs) Church, Stanley’s Haven, Sagana Getaway Retreat, Tetura Sagana Camp, Laibon Gardens & Campsite, Jangwani Camp
Know More About Muranga County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
What’s The Air Like In Muranga?
Maximum temperatures ranges between 26°C and 30°C, while the minimum ranges between 14°C and 18°C. In the western area, which is mostly high altitudes, the minimum temperatures can be as low as 6°C in July.
What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.21?
The topography and geology of Muranga is more or less sloping westerly towards the long Aberdare Range, the rain catchment from where most of rivers draining it originate. All these rivers flow south-eastward bound, to join Tana.