Reservoir Dams in Uasin Gishu
Kesses Dam: A Reservoir Cum Leisure Spot
First dredged in 1948 during the Colonial Era by Symon, William and Jackson, among other white settlers, Kesses Dam was rebuilt in 1966 and subsequently upgraded in 1990. The relatively sizeable reservoir dam covering 5000 hectares, along a tributary of Kirobii River and flanking Kesses-Lessos Road close to Moi University, is popular as an outdoor leisure area. And the locals relish it for its boating and for fishing. The wetland of Kesses Dam was formed as a result of damming of the Kirobii or Kesses River to supply Moi University with water.
Kesses Dam lies in a wide valley bottom, encircled by an undulating landscape, marked by rolling hills and lovely forests. Among the things to do at Kesses Dam include exploring its lush riparian, walking its forest patch, boating at the dam and visiting Kesses Dam Retreat. The rare “Sitatunga” inhabit the area and this also attracts a great number of domestic tourists to the dam. From Timboroa it’s a 50 kms drive northwesterly through Burnt Forest to Cheptiret Center and the turnoff to Moi University and Kesses Dam. From the turnoff it’s a 21 kms drive to Kesses.
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
Outlook
Located in western Kenya within the Rift Valley region, Uasin Gishu County is best known as a grain basket, thanks to its prolific farms and farming culture. Its famed, forward-looking capital, Eldoret, is a major urban center and an international hub for athletics, leisure, education, and commerce. Uasin Gishu is a thriving highland.
You Are Here: Kesses Dam
Where to Next?
Explore Destinations Nearby Kesses Dam
A Guide to Uasin Gishu County
A Summa Digest of Uasin Gishu
About Uasin Gishu Way Back When
40 Destinations in Uasin Gishu County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north, east then north - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Timboroa Railway Station, Ainabkoi Forest, Kesses Dam, Kesses Falls, Alten Energy Solar Farm, Mlango (Cheptiik) Falls, Ndalat Hill, Koromosho Falls, Greenwoods Resort, Doinyo Lessos Creamery, Muge Memorial Mausoleum, River Sosiani Park, The Sisibo Cultural Festival, Eldoret Golf Club, Eldoret Nature & Cultural Centre, Poa Place Resort, Eldoret Arboretum, Kapsurur Falls, Two Rivers Dam, Cherunya, Pombo-Sabor Forest, Kolol Recreation Centre, Naiberi River Camp, Elagerini Traveller Camp, Samich Resort, Mektei Ridge, Kerio Viewpoint, Kip Keino Stadium, Eldoret War Cemetery, Sergoit Hill, Kruger's Farm at Sergoit, Sergoit Golf and Wildlife Resort, Chebara Dam, Cherangani Hills, Sirikwa Holes Moiben, Kapsilot Hills, Chebororwa Conservancy, Nangili Rapids
Know More About Uasin Gishu: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Although Uasin Gishu County lies within one degree at the Equator, daily temperatures are moderate and the climate is equitable across the year, between 9oC and 29oCelsius, and rarely rising over 30oC.
Uasin Gishu is a highland plateau with altitude falling from 2,700 ms to about 1,500 ms. The topography is higher to the east and falls gently toward the western border.