Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper Party, is opposed to building a dam in Tharaka Nithi County for Ksh425 billion.
On November 13, Musyoka laid forth the requirements that must be completed for the construction of the High Grand Falls Dam in Itunguni, Tseikuru sub-county.
He voiced his displeasure over the lack of sufficient communication regarding the proper method of compensation for people who would be relocated due to the construction.
“People must be given adequate monetary compensation so that they can choose where to resettle and not be forced into a settlement scheme,” Kalonzo demanded.
Residents of Kitui and Tharaka Counties will be displaced by the dam, which is expected to be Kenya’s largest infrastructure project since the building of the Standard Gauge Railway.
The former vice president mentioned that citizens may be moved to Meru National Park, but he swore to oppose this.
“People should be compensated and decide where to relocate instead of being forced to become squatters in game reserves,” Kalonzo added.
Taking people to game reserves is stripping them of their dignity and even if the dam is important that is unacceptable, according to the Wiper party leader.
The mega dam is part of six projects worth Ksh500 billion that Kenyan government and the UK signed a pact to fast track them on the sidelines of the climate conference COP27 in Egypt.
Other mega projects that will be funded by UK include a new rail central station in Nairobi, geothermal and solar energy plants in Malindi and Menengai and agriculture hub in Kisumu.
Upon completion, the dam will generate 1,000MW of hydroelectric energy capacity and irrigation for 400,000 hectares of farmland.
“The UK and Kenya go far when we go together. By fast-tracking finance into these clean, green projects with honest, reliable investment the UK is supporting Kenya to advance and maintain its continent-leading climate credentials – with mutual benefits for both our countries,” British High Commissioner to Kenya, Jane Marriott, wrote after signing of the pact.
