Ruto to re-launch building of controversial Arror, Kimwarer dams

Construction work at the controversial multi-billion shilling Arror and Kimwarer dams in Elgeyo Marakwet county will kick off once the government reaches an agreement with the contractor, President William Ruto yesterday said.

Both dams are expected to cost a total of Sh63 billion. Arror in Marakwet East will cost Sh38.5 billion while Kimwarer in Keiyo South will cost Sh28 billion.

The Italian firm, CMC di Ravenna, won tenders to build the dams but the projects were discontinued after funds were allegedly misappropriated by senior government officials.

President Ruto, who presided over the issuance of title deeds in Kabartonjo, Baringo County, yesterday said he will next month preside over the launch of the two projects.

“I know there have been a lot of issues concerning the two dams but I want to assure you that we will soon roll out its construction,” said Ruto.

He said the projects will go a long way in addressing perennial water shortages in Elgeyo Marakwet and parts of Baringo County.

Foreign debt

Ruto yesterday said that 100 dams will be desilted or built in the country through Public Private Partnership in a bid to address water shortages and boost food security as opposed to relying on rain-fed agriculture.

He said Radaad dam in Baringo County , which he said will see more than 20,000 acres of put under irrigation, is one of the dams lined up for construction.

The President reiterated his government’s commitment to revive the economy adding that his administration will no longer incur foreign debt.

He noted the ongoing reforms in the education sector, including the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) which he said will boost creativity among learners.

Ruto said his administration had already employed 56,000 new teachers countrywide with 1,500 of them going to Baringo County.

“Every learner in this countrywide will has an opportunity to learn. This will boost equality among Kenyans from all walks of life. Investing in human capital is the best investment,” Ruto said.

He said the government is in the process of re-opening all schools closed as a result of insecurity in the North Rift which he said will be converted into boarding schools, provided with meals for free and enough security.

“These children have suffered a lot and we will no longer tolerate any one who will disrupt their studies. We have deployed over 3,000 security personnel and bandits will have nowhere to stay,” said the President.

He declared war on bandits wreaking havoc in the region warning that his administration will deal with them ruthlessly.

“You have three options, move out of this country, you go to jail or you go to heaven. Choose what best suits you,”said Ruto who was accompanied by local leaders.

The president said his government’s move to issue subsidized fertilizer was already bearing fruit with a bumper harvest expected this year.