"We want the government to revive the Ksh. 63B Arror & Kimwarer dam projects" - DP Ruto's political allies

The leaders say the projects are critical in turning around the economy of the Rift valley region. Yesterday's meeting in Kajiado County was part of the series of sessions that the DP has been having across the country to push his bottom-up economic model.

The session comprising of the Rift valley region leaders was convened by DP Ruto. The leaders tabled their demands which they expect DP Ruto to do for them.

The Arror and Kimwarer dams project was marred by controversy. The leaders' priorities being agriculture, conservation, water, and infrastructure request the issues to be looked into, even if they will spill over to the next government.

In September 2019, President Kenyatta received a report from a technical committee surrounding the proprieties on Arror and Kimwarer dams. A report whose findings stated that the Ksh. 22B of Kimwarer dam was overpriced and it was neither financially nor technically viable. The technical committee recommending the project be discontinued.

The committee gave the Arror project a clean bill of health on its viability, however recommending its construction be scaled down to a cost of approximately Ksh. 15B from its initial cost of Ksh. 28B. The team recommending the immediate commencement of the implementation of the project after cost rationalization. 

The Arror and Kimwarer dam scandal are currently active in an anti-corruption court. Former Treasury C.S Henry Rotich and 4 other suspects have been charged afresh in charges that were amended by DPP after turning 2 suspects from the Treasury; Former Treasury PS Kamau Thuge and former Planning PS Susan Koech into State witnesses.

The leaders have also urged the Jubilee administration not to forget the Rift valley region when they are distributing development projects.

In the same spirit, western Kenya leaders have accused the State of discriminating against them courtesy of the handshake.