UN Mission Kenya to Replicate Makueni’s Sand Dams Nationwide

By Daniel Kituku

Makueni County’s success in sand dam conservation has captured the attention of the United Nations Mission in Kenya, which now seeks to collaborate with the county and expand the technology across the country to address water scarcity and climate challenge.

During an experiential learning visit to various sand dams in Makueni, Unoted Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya, Dr. Stephen Jackson commended the county’s sand conservation efforts, noting their positive impact on water availability, food security, climate change mitigation, and ecological restoration.

Dr. Jackson emphasized that the insights gained from Makueni would be instrumental in scaling up sand dam construction in other parts of Kenya through a collaborative framework involving the Ministry of Devolution and county governments.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., who hosted the delegation, highlighted the county’s substantial investment in sand dams as a sustainable solution to long-standing challenges of water shortages, hunger, and climate change effects.

“Our county has constructed over 1,000 sand dams, with the potential for another 1,000 along our major seasonal rivers,” Governor Mutula stated.

Devolution Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika, who led the delegation, reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to partnering with counties and development agencies to expand sand dam projects across Kenya. She urged leaders to collaborate closely with development partners for the benefit of their communities.

Following discussions between Governor Mutula and the UN Mission, the European Union has expressed interest in funding the construction of 1,000 new sand dams across Makueni’s rivers, further boosting efforts to combat climate challenges and secure water access in the region.