Karimenu II Dam starts spilling, as Gov't assures residents of safety

The Karemene II Dam in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, has started overflowing owing to heavy downpours recorded across the region.

This is according to the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA), which noted that despite the overflow, the dam is designed in such a manner that  the excess water will not affect residents living downstream.

"The spillway design has flood control, and drainage works provide safety to downstream areas against failure by overtopping during the El Nino rains," the State corporation said in a statement posted on X.

AWWDA added that it has prepared an emergency response plan highlighting all possible failure modes of the dam and their related emergency responses.

This comes shortly after Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir cautioned residents residing downstream of Kamburu, Kiambere and Masinga dams to remain vigilant as the man-made water bodies can overflow at any moment.