Residents living along the riparian corridors of Kiserian Dam have been assured of fair treatment in relocation plans as the Kajiado County Committee on Lands, Environment, and Natural Resources reviews measures to address encroachment and safety concerns.
The assurance came during the Annual General Meeting of the Oloolaiser Water and Sewerage Company, held at the Oloolaiser Water Plaza, where the Managing Director, Gladys Marima, raised alarm over increased cases of fence vandalism around the dam, incidents that have tragically led to loss of life.
Speaking at the meeting, Michael Semera, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water Services, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, acknowledged that encroachment at Kiserian Dam remains a major challenge. He said the county is taking steps to ensure residents occupying riparian land are relocated to safer areas.
“Riparian laws must be strictly followed according to spatial planning regulations to safeguard lives. Any affected residents will receive fair compensation. The President has assured us of support in relocating stubborn residents who refuse to cooperate, but let me be clear, no personal parcel of land outside the riparian corridor will be touched,” Semera told the meeting.
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A resident from Kiserian had earlier raised concerns about possible evictions, prompting the county to reaffirm its commitment to humane and lawful relocation.
Semera further revealed that there are plans to solarize the dam to reduce electricity costs and improve sustainability. He also cautioned residents against buying land from unscrupulous dealers who misrepresent ownership documents.
“We urge residents to remain vigilant when purchasing land. Unscrupulous dealers have contradicted land search documents, and this has contributed to the encroachment problem,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Dr. Leina Mpoke, the Kajiado County Secretary, who stressed that the government will take drastic measures to protect and cordon off Kiserian Dam while ensuring regular maintenance.
Mpoke explained that the exercise will target both upstream areas, where encroachment has intensified, and downstream zones, where waste disposal and rapid urbanization are threatening dam activities. He acknowledged the lack of a designated sewer system as a shortfall but assured residents that the county will address the issue in future planning.
The committee concluded that protecting Kiserian Dam is critical not only for water security but also for safeguarding lives and pledged to balance residents’ rights with environmental conservation.
By Masaki Enock
