The choice was informed by the fact that the Norwegians had projects in northern Kenya and were therefore equipped with useful knowledge and experience on the terrain. Barclays Bank of Kenya has launched a new mobile loans service dubbed Timiza, increasing the competition in the lucrative micro lending segm... One person died and seven others, including a police officer, were injured during a violent confrontation between traders in Narok Town... Kenya could attract major US pension and asset funds with assets of over Sh100 trillion with yesterday’s commitment by the federal governm... Frida Shibonje (left) - joined by her daughter Christine - trips down memory lane at her Ikonyero home in Kakamega County on September 15... KenGen has unveiled an elaborate renewable energy project pipeline focused on supporting the government’s economic growth agenda. Instead, the project was bulldozed through – and at a highly exaggerated cost – on sole consideration of the handsome kickbacks paid to the Kenyan officials, a confidential report by then-European Union (EU) head of mission in Kenya revealed. An alert from the meteorological department stated; “At 1148.03 metres above sea level this morning (Monday) Turkwel dam is currently 92.33 percent full. Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter said Masinga Dam has already exceeded its reservoir capacity to 1057.86 against its normal 1056.5 above the sea level which could result to flooding in […] With heavy rains pounding the region, the people say that if the county continue receiving heavy raise that its currently experiencing the dam might overflow. In it he wrote: “The French contract and financing conditions are extremely disadvantageous for Kenya. Turkwel dam likely to spill over in the next two months. The irreversible disappearance of the dam will mean death of the Turkwel Dam Hydroelectric Power Project, just as happened with once vibrant irrigation projects served by the dam. Tullow Oil has kicked off meetings in West Pokot County to end stalemate concerning the use of Turkwel dam water for oil extraction in Lokichar, Turkana County. Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter said …. In addition, the dam’s water has passed its highest level ever reached. The study advised against construction of a dam on the Turkwel River, the main reason being that the chosen site “lies on a major earthquake fault-line and would silt up in less than 50 years (that is nine years from now).”, The study said, if constructed, the dam would have “a deleterious effect on alluvium brought down by floods… and the lush vegetation of the riverine forest, to radically change the flow of Turkwel River through silting…”. “Look,” he told Waiyaki, “the President has been so kind and charitable to you people (meaning the Kikuyus). The name Turkwel is derived from the Turkana name for the river, Tir-kol, which means a river that "withstands the wilderness". This level leaves only 2.2 metres before the dam spills. Then Biwott came to the crux of the matter. The Turkwel Dam in West Pokot County is expected to spill over in the next two months following increased water volume due to heavy rainfall witnessed in the area. A symposium led by West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo and addressed by environmental experts heard that the dam is “fast dying” due to heavy siltation of Suam River basin, which feeds the gorge on which the dam is built. Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter said, OIL ROADS WILL SUPPORT OIL PRODUCTION AND BOOST UGANDA'S ECONOMY, DUVAL GROUP VISIT RWANDA TO DISCUSS ONGOING INVESTMENT PROJECTS, CONSTRUCTION OF NATIONAL POLICE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY COMMENCES IN KENYA, ANGOLA'S PORT OF LUANDA WILL RECEIVE USD 190 MILLION INVESTMENT FROM UAE, BOTSWANA IS SEEKING INVESTORS FOR PPP PROJECTS, KENYA GOVT. The latter had no objection, but said due process must be followed – which was to commission a feasibility study, and from which a paper would be prepared to be tabled before the Cabinet. But there still was a “small nuisance” in then-powerful Chief Secretary Simeon Nyachae, who not only didn’t see eye to eye with Biwott, but had his own ideas on how to go about the Turkwel project. The Water Resources Authority (WRA) has issued a flood alert notice to people leaving around Turkwel Dam in North Rift. “Turkwel Dam is expected to fill and spill for the first time. In a Cabinet reshuffle soon after, he was appointed minister for Energy and Regional Development, while the Finance docket was taken away from Kibaki and given to Arthur Magugu, who had been his long-serving assistant minister. Kenya: Turkwel Dam - Biwott Project and Thirst for Development [Nation] With Covid-19 hogging the attention, few took note of a story tucked inside the Sunday Nation two weeks ago, that Turkwel Dam may soon dry up due to environmental degradation. Sunday, 29 March 2020. The dam covers 60 kilometres and has 1.2 billion litres of water. Media/News Company Pages Businesses Media/News Company NTV Kenya Videos Residents living along Turkwel Dam breath a sigh of relief as the dam fails to overflow. Then he would have his own man as minister for Finance. On return from Paris, Finance minister Saitoti – with Biwott egging him on the side – told the media with a straight face that on completion, the Turkwel project would be “the most cost-effective source of Kenya’s future power generation”. According to Muinda, who has been in constant communication with KenGen officers operating at the dam, a flood advisory would be issued when the water level reaches 1147 meters. People living near Turkwel dam in west Pokot county are living in fear that the dam may soon spill over due to the continued rain in the county. Over lunch with Waiyaki at Serena Hotel, he ventilated: “Kibaki must be the most ungrateful person alive,” Biwott said, adding ruefully: “I wish he knew how many people are secretly fighting him, and how the President has stood with him. Flooding also … You must help us (meaning the President’s community) come at least closer, if not be at par with you.”, Then he added in a veiled threat: “You help us climb the ladder and the President will never let anybody touch you, and if you neglect us then don’t blame us for what happens!”. Kenya Governments has warn citizen to expect disaster after confirming two dams has reached it maximum capacity. As it turned out, Biwott had quietly vowed to revisit the matter – in his own time, on his own terms. But Magugu – a “horse” – would only be a stop-gap measure. The potential flooding could affect over 300,000 people in an area accustomed to droughts. In summary. It has a capacity of 1.6 billion m3 covering an area of 6500 hectares and Kenya’s highest dam at 150 meters. The Norwegians were overambitious to think they could freeze fish in very high temperatures using diesel-powered engines and still make a profit! [Fred Kibor, Standard] Agencies warn that the dam, which has only 2.28 metres left before it is filled, could overflow around the end of this month. “It has a capacity of 1.6 billion m3 covering an area of 6,500 hectares and Kenya’s highest dam at 150 meters. Water levels in Turkwel dam have risen with only 3.61 metres remaining before it spills over. Then suddenly, in 1986, Nyachae was shown the door from his powerful perch and the state machinery instructed to cut him down to size. An estimated 300,000 people live in the Turkwel River basin. But first I begin the story – at the beginning. The dams in question are Masinga and Turkwel with the former having already exceeded its reservoir capacity to 1057.86 against its normal 1056.5 above the sea level. On 16 October 2020, the dam’s water had reached 1,147.7 metres. The latter wasn’t amused in the least. Do you have an article, project or area of interest you would like others to read about? The Norwegians knew better, having previously burnt their fingers and thus learnt the hard way. Waiyaki said the project sounded all right in principle, but said the two must loop in Vice-President and Finance minister Mwai Kibaki. The Turkwel River (sometimes spelled Turkwell River) is a river flowing from Mount Elgon on the border of Kenya and Uganda to Lake Turkana.The river is called the Suam River from its source to the border at West Pokot County of Kenya. Turkwel Dam. Communities living downstream along the Turkwel River are staring at an impending risk following an alert notice that increased water levels at the Turkwel dam could cause catastrophic overflow. Tag: Turkwel Dam. The dam on River Turkwel, near the border of West Pokot and Turkana counties, has not experienced such rising water levels since it was constructed almost three decades ago. Elgon and Cherangani Hills Catchments increased levels to 1,145.09 metres above the sea level as of 20 August, which was a record at that time. He told Waiyaki that he (as minister for Regional Development) had a project to propose to Waiyaki’s ministry (Energy) – a multi-purpose dam on the Turkwel River. But Kenyan officials nevertheless chose the far more expensive model of financing”. #NTVatOne Now, you must ‘return a hand’ by helping the donkey catch up, or at least come closer to the horse.”, To make the point clearer, Biwott said to Waiyaki: “You Kikuyus are way ahead in development. A Norwegian engineering and consulting firm, NorConsult, was engaged to conduct the study. Besides dismissing the report by a foreign agency with hands-on experience and knowledge of the terrain on which the dam was built, the Kenyan government declined cash assistance to conduct its own research on the viability of the project. Waiyaki, as he was to tell me years later, told Biwott he had no objection to the proposition, but quickly reminded him that Nandi, Kericho and Uasin Gishu districts were as developed as central Kenya, to which Biwott quickly replied: “True, the Nandi and the Kipsigis are the Kikuyu of Kalenjin-land. That done, he wouldn’t have to bother about the “nonsense” of some foreigners coming with feasibility studies to block his path, rather to hold the donkey from catching up with the horse! Turkwel dam is located between Turkana and West Pokot counties.It has a capacity of 1.6 billion m3 and covers an area of 16,061 acres.The dam is Kenya's highest at … Pokot leaders had complained over the use of water from Turkwel dam during the extraction of oil from Turkana wells without consulting local … Breaking Kenya News. It has never filled up to its full supply level at 1150 meters above the sea level, since its construction from 1986 to 1991. Curvy, sexy Ugandan women named new tourist attraction, [PHOTOS] Motorist left in shock as Mercedes abruptly catches fire on Thika Superhighway, Mystery Dutch Woman emerges in Tecra Muigai’s death probe. County News. He said there has been a marginal rise in dam level by 1 centimeter as compared to yesterday. The mission was almost accomplished. Turkwel dam is on the verge of spilling as water levels continue to rise due to ongoing rains, State agencies have warned. Posted on May 7, 2020 by Gambeta News Kenya Governments has warn citizen to expect disaster after confirming two dams has reached it maximum capacity. Flying back home from a presidential trip to Iraq and the United Arab Emirates in May 1980, Nicholas Biwott, then-minister of State for Regional Development, had moved from his seat at the front – next to President Daniel Moi – to the back, next to then-Energy minister Munyua Waiyaki. NAIROBI, Kenya, May 6- Two major dams in Masinga and Turkwel are full beyond capacity, a disaster in waiting for people living around and downstream. Three days after sealing of the deal with French design and engineering company Sogreah and Spie Batignolles, the European Union chief delegate to Kenya, Achim Kratz, dispatched an eight-page secret memorandum to the EU headquarters in Brussels. I will come back to the contents of the report Kenyans weren’t allowed to read. Home NEWS Turkwel Dam: Biwott project and thirst for development. Translate. It has never filled up to its full supply level at 1,150 meters above the sea level, since its construction from 1986 to 1991. July 23, 2020 10:22. After all, who are Norwegians to tell us what not to do in our country?”. With the current rainfall being experienced and projected near normal rainfall in the catchment area around Mt Elgon during this October to December season, the dam is expected to fill up and overflow in November 2020.” In those days of authoritarian one-party rule, no Kenyan media house would dare touch the report by the EU official, who would soon be bundled out of the country. The Turkwel Dam is on the verge of spilling. The Turkwel Hydroelectric Power Station, also Turkwel Dam, is an arch dam on the Turkwel River about 76 km (47 mi) north of Kapenguria in West Pokot County, Kenya.The dam serves several purposes to include hydroelectric power production, irrigation tourism and fisheries.It was constructed between 1986 and 1991. Hey There, We are a Breaking news company covering all walks of life. An estimated 30,000 households in Turkana County risk a humanitarian crisis as authorities warn of looming floods due to an expected spill over at the Turkwel hydro-power dam. Yet that wouldn’t have come to pass had the government not thrown out of the window an experts’ report advising against construction of the dam. SOUND WARNING AFTER TWO DAMS BECAME FULL, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6rU_BqShyY. The dams in question are Masinga and Turkwel with the former having already exceeded its reservoir capacity to 1057.86 against its normal 1056.5 above the sea level. There are no upcoming events at this time. Biwott had a message for his Cabinet colleague and wanted to pass it while they were up in the skies, and away from anyone else’s earshot. 162,987 Fans Like. Image: HESBORN ETYANG • Since its commissioning in 1991, the dam has never reached 1,150 metres height. In January 1986 – five years after Biwott’s chat with Waiyaki up in the skies, he was airborne to the French capital accompanied by Saitoti to sign in on the Turkwel project. Of the four feasibility studies undertaken in preparation for the Turkwel Dam project, the last was carried out in 1984 by Preece, Cadrew & Rider of the UK, commissioned by the EEC. The people I am calling ‘donkeys’ are Tugens, Keiyos, and other pastoralists in Rift Valley.”. He concluded: “The French deal was only possible because of handsome profits for French executives involved, and the handsome kickbacks for their Kenyan counterparts.”, Copies of the secret memo to the EU were leaked to the local press and to the, In those days of limited freedoms, local media houses couldn’t touch it even with a barge pole, while the few copies of the. In the next reshuffle not long after, Biwott’s chosen “mule”, George Saitoti – he was neither horse nor donkey – was appointed minister for Finance and Economic Planning. An old photo of Turkwel Dam. The dam was constructed by a French firm — Spie Batkinolles between 1986 and 1991. We have 3.44 metres remaining before spilling level,” said Muinda. Turkwel Dam. A supporter status is available to industry players who have a key role in delivering sustainable infrastructure. The least he should have done to thank the President is to let Turkwel project go through. Saitoti – a professor of a discipline called “abstract algebra” – had his math all wrong. Turkwel Dam is expected to fill and spill for the first time. Yunus Abdul... Investigators looking into the death of the late Keroche Breweries Tecra Muigai now claim that Omari Lali, the late Tecra’s lover was report... Turkwel Dam: Biwott project and thirst for development, Narok traders protest demolition of market, US, World Bank to support local pension fund, Freda Shibonje: The nurse who delivered Uhuru Kenyatta, KenGen to deliver Olkaria 1 unit 6 power plant in a year - Miano. The project was to depend on waters from the now extinct Ferguson’s Bay on Lake Turkana. Long before the Turkwel project was mooted, they were first on the ground with the establishment of a community fishing venture that was supposed to change eating habits of the Turkana – from beef to fish – and interest them in a cash economy through exportation of frozen fish. Ferguson’s Bay, on which the fish project was built, finally disappeared from the map in the early 1980s, leaving a Norwegian fishing vessel – christened Uji – stuck in the mud in the middle of nowhere! Like the Kikuyu, those are ‘horses’. Brazil's presidential election frontrunneR Stabbed. The Turkwell Gorge Hydro Electric Dam Project was commissioned in 1986 and completed by the French company Spie Batignolles in 1991. Fear has gripped residents of Turkana following reports that Turkwel Dam is about to spill over any time. Biwott’s moment had finally come. Allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement were made prior the projects completion and in 1991 a Consultative Group meeting of donors to Kenya imposed a full aid embargo on the country largely because of allegations surrounding Turkwell Dam. Finally, Biwott might have got the “donkey” catch up with the “horse”, but he couldn’t stop Turkwell Dam from drying up, which is what we are paying for now! Over 300K Turkana residents urged to move to safer grounds over potential Turkwel Dam spill over By Citizen Reporter For Citizen Digital Published on: October 19, 2020 10:39 (EAT) Residents living near river Turkwel have been urged to relocate to higher grounds to avoid being swept away by the floods from Turkwel dam. Back in Nairobi, the two had a meeting with Kibaki. More than 300,000 people will be displaced and Lodwar town endangered as Turkwel dam is likely to spill over due to heavy rains.Turkana and West Pokot leaders said their... msn back to msn home news. Transformers were also priced at more than double the international price, said the memorandum. First, he would scheme to have himself appointed the minister for Energy. Chief Ex... Brazil's right-wing presidential frontrunner Jair Bolsonaro has undergone emergency surgery after he was stabbed in the stomach during... By DAILY MONITOR More by this Author KAMPALA The Ugandan Ministry of Tourism has added curvy and sexy women to the list of tourism ... Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has hinted at working with Baringo Senator Gideon Moi in the 2022 succession. Recent news stories predict that the Turkwel Gorge Dam in northwest Kenya will overflow in November 2020. You have the vice presidency, the Finance ministry, and the ministerial dockets with the biggest budgets. It would generate power to feed the national grid and provide water to irrigate the arid Turkana and West Pokot districts. With Covid-19 hogging the attention, few took note of a story tucked inside the. Understanding rainfall variability can provide lessons for managing dams in drylands to improve water security for energy, agriculture, environmental and human needs. It further noted that a larger portion of the Turkwel project was financed on “commercial loans, despite ready offers for grants or extremely soft concessionary loans. "Turkwel Dam level on 9/9/2020 at 6AM is at 1146.39 metres above sea level. On receiving the experts’ report, the Ministry of Finance relegated Biwott’s proposal where it belonged – in the dustbin. Teachers pressure government over medical cover Passengers spend night in wilderness after train breakdown Uganda: Veteran leader Yoweri Museveni declared election winner Time … “Turkwel Dam level on Monday 14, 2020 at 6am is at 1146.56 metres above sea level. Residents live in fear as Turkwel Dam set to overflow ... Latest news. Lake Victoria, Kenya. The dam on River Turkwel, near the border of West Pokot and Turkana counties, has not experienced such rising water levels since it was constructed almost three decades ago. With Covid-19 hogging the attention, few took note of a story tucked inside the Sunday Nation two weeks ago, that Turkwel Dam may soon dry up due to environmental degradation. And rainfall continues in Mount Elgon, where the dam gets its water. Engineers say at its inflated cost and distant location (the now worn out high voltage cables run over 120 miles to connect to the national grid), Turkwel is the most expensive power-generating plant in the country and the region! Turkwel power generating plant in West Pokot County will be revived by KenGen in move to curb insecurity. County director of meteorological services Francis Muinda on Wednesday said the dam was only remaining with 3.61 metres before reaching the spilling level. 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