WARMA says all seven folks hydro-electric dams full

Source: Capital FM Kenya
Author: Ken Muthomi

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 30 - Water Resources Authority (WARMA) has said that all seven folks hydroelectric dams are now at full capacity and are being streamed downstream.

In a statement, the authority pointed out that as of yesterday, the Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma, and Kiambeere have shown a high inflow, especially from Mt. Kenya and the Abardare.

According to WARMA CEO Mohammed Shrurie, an early evacuation order was issued to residents living in these areas so as to avert potential flooding risks.

"Most of the dams in the country are full hence posing a risk of flooding due spilling and potentially breaching. As of 29/04/2024, all the 7 forks dam hydro electric dams comprising of Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma were overflowing and spillimg over the downstream areas," he said.

WARMA has urged communities residing downstream of the dams to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to alerts and directives that will be issued by the authorities.

It further cautioned that other dams in other basin areas of Lake Victoria, Rift Valley, Athi, and Ewaso Ngiro North are also experiencing overflow, and residents residing near these dams should be vigilant.

Furthermore, WARMA stated that other major rivers and lakes, such as the Tana River, Nyando, Athi River, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Nakuru, are also experiencing high flows.

This comes after interior cabinet secretary Kithure Kindiki ordered county security and intelligence committees to inspect all public and private dams and water reservoirs and recommend cases where reservoirs and compulsory evacuation and temporary resettlement orders should be issued.