The Mwache Multipurpose Dam in Kwale County has reached the 90 per cent construction stage, according to the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, with the KSh45 billion project slated for final completion and reservoir impoundment soon.
Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa said the Coast region requires about 512,000 cubic metres of water daily but currently receives only 185,000 cubic metres, leaving a shortfall of roughly 327,000 cubic metres each day.
The dam is designed to supply around 186,000 cubic metres of treated water per day to domestic and industrial users in Mombasa and Kwale, and its reservoir will hold about 136 million cubic metres for storage during heavy rains.
The World Bank called the dam a flagship investment within its Coastal Region Bulk Water Programme aimed at improving water security and climate resilience on the Coast.
Access to at least basic drinking-water services is reported at about 47 per cent in Mombasa and 52 per cent in Kwale, compared with the national level of 68 per cent, according to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey.
Kwale County lists diarrhoea among its five leading causes of morbidity, with a prevalence of 4.6 per cent, and the county health department recorded three cholera deaths and 48 suspected cases during a 2025 outbreak.
The project also includes irrigation infrastructure intended to serve roughly 2,000 hectares of farmland, which could reduce reliance on erratic rainfall and boost farm incomes and agro-processing.
Land acquisition and compensation have delayed the dam, prompting livelihood-restoration programmes and the construction of replacement schools; President William Ruto recently inspected the site and commissioned the new Fulugani Comprehensive School and related livelihood-support equipment.
If the dam is completed and linked to an efficient distribution network, it could provide more than half of the Coast’s current daily water deficit of 327,000 cubic metres.
