The Government of Kenya has completed the rehabilitation and expansion of the Etio Dam in Kapteren, Keiyo North Constituency, marking a major milestone in the nation’s efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity and water access in rural areas.
Speaking during the commissioning of the project, President William Ruto announced that the dam—now equipped with a storage capacity of 160 million litres—will benefit over 8,000 households across Elgeyo Marakwet County. The project is expected to significantly enhance irrigation infrastructure and food security in the region.
“We are pleased it has been completed on time. The project will transform the lives of more than 8,000 households in Elgeyo Marakwet County,” said the President.
The first phase of the Etio Dam initiative will bring over 2,500 acres of farmland under irrigation, enabling farmers to cultivate high-value crops including passion fruits, avocados, cabbages, kales, and potatoes. The project is expected to open new economic opportunities, increase household incomes, and create employment for local communities.
“This will boost the cultivation of passion fruits, avocado, cabbages, kales, and potatoes, thereby creating jobs and increasing household income,” Ruto added.
The Etio Dam rehabilitation aligns with the government’s broader development goals—particularly the drive to revitalize agriculture, strengthen climate-resilient infrastructure, and empower rural communities through sustainable development solutions.
