Athi Dam: NEMA Seeks Public Views on Mega Dam Planned Inside Tsavo East National Park

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has invited public comments on a proposed mega dam to be built inside Tsavo East National Park.

The project is being pushed by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA). It would sit within Taita Taveta County and serve as a major water storage facility.

Athi Dam is designed as a mixed concrete and rock-fill structure. It would rise to a maximum height of 34 metres and hold 306.4 million cubic metres of water.

The reservoir would cover about 38 square kilometres. It would stretch roughly 13 kilometres long and six kilometres wide.

According to project documents, the dam aims to regulate river flows. It would also help manage sediment loads and support irrigation supply through a water conveyance system.

NEMA has published a notice calling for oral or written comments within 30 days. Submissions should go to the Director-General of the authority.

The proposal has already raised environmental red flags. The Environmental Impact Assessment highlights risks of habitat loss and fragmentation inside the national park.

Wildlife displacement is another major concern. The project could increase human-wildlife conflict in surrounding areas. Natural water flow patterns would also change.

Proposed mitigation measures include building wildlife overpasses. Continuous ecological monitoring and habitat restoration programmes are also listed.

Artificial water pools for species such as hippos and crocodiles form part of the mitigation plan. Enhanced surveillance of wildlife populations is also suggested.

Tsavo East remains one of Kenya’s most important conservation areas. Any development inside its boundaries usually attracts close scrutiny from conservation groups.

Public participation now forms a key part of the approval process. Interested parties have the next 30 days to submit their views.

The National Irrigation Authority sees the dam as important for water security and irrigation development. How the project balances these goals against conservation remains the central question.