Thika Dam (Ndakaini)

The dam is owned by Athi and operated by the Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company. The dams construction started in the year 1988 when the Kenya Government compulsorily acquired approximately 1,200 acres of land to create space for the construction of the dam to supply portable water to the residents of Nairobi City and its environs. Water from the dam is conveyed through a system of tunnels running from the dam, tapping Kiama River and Kimakia River and diverting the flows to Chania River at the Mwagu Outfall. Water is tapped from Chania River at Mwagu and conveyed via a tunnel to the Mataara chamber from where it’s conveyed by pipelines to Ngethu water production plant.

Historical Background

The dam was constructed under the Third Nairobi Water Supply Project between 1989 and 1994. The contractor for the above contracts was m/s Strabag International and the Consultant Engineers were m/s Howard Humpreys (K) Ltd.

The project was co-financed by the World Bank, ADB, European Investment Bank, and the Kenya Government, among others. The estimated total cost of the project stood at Kshs. 2 Billion at that time.

Key Functions Of Thika Dam

To harness water from the Dam’s catchment to impound the Thika reservoir.
To supply continuous reliable water to the City of Nairobi and its environs, with minimum interruptions, at regulated quantities.
To release regulated quantities of compensation water downstream to maintain the natural Thika river course.
To encourage forestation within the Dam’s catchment and around the Dam, to sustain the catchments, and ensure an environment for continuous water flow.
To collect and analyze embankment instrument Data, using computer programs to ensure the safety of the earth fill dam.
To carry out physical analysis on stored water to establish its quality.
To monitor, collect Data and keep records of the weather changes around the Dam.

Storage Capacity

The dam has a storage capacity of 70,000,000m3 at a full storage level of 2,041 meters above sea level and a depth average of 65m. The dam Produces 430,000 m3/day of water, which is about 84% of a total supply of water to Nairobi residents.

Catchment Features

The Dam’s catchment area measures 75 square Kilometers. It consists of Kimakia and Gatare Natural forest which forms Aberdare Ranges. The main rivers that drain into the Dam from this catchment are Thika, Githika and Kayuyu. Thika drains 50%, Githika 30% and Kayuyu 20% of the catchment into the Dam respectively. The area receives ample rainfall of between 2000 – 2500 mm annually.

The Aberdare Range makes the place much more attractive.

September 1, 2022 11:10 am

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It’s one of the most famous Dam in Kenya that provides water to the people of Nairobi. The Thika Dam is a 63 m high, 458 m crest length earth-fill dam on the Thika river near Ndakaini, 50 km north of Nairobi, Kenya. The Dam has a storage capacity of 70 million cubic meters and serves as a drinking water supply. The Dam increased water supply reliability to Nairobi, which suffered water shortages during the dry season before the Dam was completed in 1994. During construction, the dam design was modified to withstand a flood year and improve dam safety. I have visited the Dam many times with my siblings, and we always enjoy it. The place is calm and relaxing place. Its nicely constructed, and the view of the Aberdare Range makes it magnificent, especially during sunrise and sunset. The area is clean, and the Dam has clean water. The security is very professional and always keeps the peace at the entrance. The Dam is mainly visited during weekends, holidays, and special occasions like a marathon.

Thika Dam (Ndakaini)

Historical Background

Key Functions Of Thika Dam

Storage Capacity

Catchment Features

1 Review for Thika Dam (Ndakaini)

FaithNganga

The Aberdare Range makes the place much more attractive.

Rate us and Write a Review

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Thika Dam (Ndakaini)

Historical Background

Key Functions Of Thika Dam

Storage Capacity

Catchment Features

1 Review for Thika Dam (Ndakaini)

FaithNganga

The Aberdare Range makes the place much more attractive.

Rate us and Write a Review

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