Thwake Dam residents say blasting compensation falls far short of repair costs
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Residents near the Thwake Dam in Makueni County marched more than 10km to the construction site demanding an independent assessment of blasting damage, saying vouchers of Ksh12,000 to Ksh22,000 do not cover repairs estimated at up to Ksh147,000.
Residents living near the multi-billion-shilling Thwake Dam project in Makueni County have protested over what they describe as inadequate compensation for damage to their homes and businesses caused by blasting at the construction site. On Friday, November 6, 2026, residents from Mavindini marched more than 10 kilometres from Mavindini town to the dam site, demanding transparency in the compensation process and fair settlement for all affected households.
Justus Mwaka said heavy vibrations from the blasting destroyed his fish farming business after his fish cages developed cracks and began losing water, and that his house also developed visible cracks. He was issued a compensation voucher worth Ksh22,000, an amount he says does not reflect his losses: he estimates repairs to the house alone would exceed Ksh70,000 and fixing the fish cages more than Ksh100,000. \"If I do my own assessment, for that Ksh22,000 they gave me for the cracks they showed me, I feel it would have been better if I was given nothing at all, because the cost I have already incurred is huge,\" he said.
Another affected resident, Muia Kimilu, said his rental properties in Mathangathi were damaged by the vibrations, raising concerns about the safety of his tenants. Cracks have developed in the rental buildings, with the toilet among the worst-affected structures, and he received a Ksh12,000 voucher against an estimated repair bill of about Ksh147,000 quoted by his mason.
The residents question the criteria used to assess losses and determine payouts, and want an independent assessment of the damage and a review of the awards so that compensation reflects the actual cost of repairs. Kathonzweni Deputy County Commissioner Annabel Gitonga assured the protesters that their grievances would be forwarded to the relevant government authorities and urged calm while the government engages the project contractor and other stakeholders. \"I am asking for calm, if we go face to face we will be able to finish this work, but if we fight we will not be able to finish it,\" she said.
The residents say assurances are not enough and are demanding that every affected household be paid according to the extent of damage to its property. They warn that delays in resolving the grievances will leave more families struggling to repair their homes and rebuild businesses disrupted by construction activity, adding to friction between communities and one of the country's largest infrastructure projects.