Makueni
23/09/2025
National Land Commission (NLC) has officially commenced the final survey for the Thwake Multipurpose Dam, marking a significant milestone in the land acquisition process for one of Kenya’s most transformative infrastructure projects.
Led by Mr. Sospeter Ohanya, Head of Survey Services at the NLC, the team is currently stationed in Makueni County to carry out critical surveying activities including beaconing, mutation surveys, and land demarcation. The final survey is a pivotal step that ensures clarity of land ownership, project boundaries, and the return of any unutilized land to rightful owners.
The Thwake Dam project spans approximately 2,867 hectares (about 7,084 acres) across both Makueni and Kitui counties. Mr. Ohanya confirmed that 99% of the required land has already been acquired, with compensation disbursed to the majority of the 1,900 Project Affected Persons (PAPs). Only one case remains pending due to unresolved succession issues.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Mr. Ohanya described Thwake Dam as a flagship infrastructure success story, emphasizing the NLC’s commitment to completing the land acquisition and survey process efficiently and transparently.
During a stakeholder engagement meeting Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior acknowledged the ongoing work as a major stride towards the project’s timely completion. He praised the NLC for its professionalism and reaffirmed the county’s continued support.
The Governor urged the team to ensure that all documentation,maps, reports, and official correspondences are properly archived and shared with the county government for future reference and dispute prevention.
Additionally, Governor Mutula recommended that the survey incorporate road access planning to enhance connectivity and access during and after the implementation phase.
The NLC survey team is expected to remain on the ground in Makueni for the next two months to finalize the survey process.