Kenya and Ethiopia Rekindle Vision for Daua River Transformation

By Victor Oyuko 

In a powerful display of regional collaboration and forward-thinking leadership, the governments of Kenya and Ethiopia have taken a significant step toward reviving one of East Africa's most promising transboundary projects: the Daua River Basin Development Initiative. The meeting, organized under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), offered a crucial platform to reengage on long-standing aspirations for shared prosperity, resilience, and environmental stewardship.

At the heart of this renewed push is the plan to construct a multipurpose dam on the Daua River. The project is ambitious, yet deeply necessary. Once completed, it will control the devastating seasonal floods that afflict communities, irrigate over 120,000 acres of arid land, generate hydroelectric power, and accelerate economic integration between Kenya and Ethiopia. Could this be the moment when Africa decisively turns the tide on its infrastructural and environmental challenges?

The Daua River: A Shared Lifeline

Flowing along the borders of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, the Daua River is more than just a waterway. It is the lifeline for thousands of pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities who depend on it for survival. Yet, despite its potential, the river's seasonal nature has posed challenges, often bringing floods that disrupt livelihoods and destroy property.

By taming the river through smart, sustainable infrastructure, the dream is to transform a vulnerability into a powerful asset for regional development. What does it take to turn such potential into reality? Vision, coordination, and unwavering political will—qualities that were evident during this pivotal bilateral meeting.

A Strategic Focus on Irrigation and Food Security

At the core of the Daua River project is a bold aim: to irrigate 120,000 acres of land. In a region where water scarcity has often meant food insecurity, the implications of such an initiative are profound. For Kenya and Ethiopia alike, this effort directly aligns with national strategies to combat hunger, adapt to climate change, and build resilience in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).

The Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda championed by the Kenya Kwanza administration prioritizes agriculture as a driver of inclusive growth. By investing in irrigation infrastructure in marginalized northern Kenya, this project takes that vision beyond rhetoric and into tangible action.

Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho, present at the meeting, underscored the importance of finalizing the Daua River Master Plan. He noted that doing so would catalyze resource mobilization efforts and create a clear roadmap for transforming shared water resources into tools for economic empowerment.

Strengthening Trade and Infrastructure

Beyond the dam, the meeting addressed the broader ecosystem that must support cross-border development. Two bridges are now being prioritized for construction—one at Rhamu and another at Suftu. These crossings will be more than physical connectors; they will link people to healthcare, education, and marketplaces, drastically improving the quality of life along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.

Equally important is the plan to operationalize One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) at Rhamu and a Trade Facilitation Center at Suftu. These installations are designed to ease the movement of goods and people, reduce logistical inefficiencies, and align with the broader vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With seamless borders and empowered traders, communities in Marsabit and southern Ethiopia could become dynamic economic zones.

How long will it take for these gains to be realized? That depends on how quickly stakeholders convert this momentum into action—a goal both nations seemed ready to embrace.

A Gathering of Regional Heavyweights

The significance of this meeting was reflected in the high-level representation it attracted. Mr. Cyrell Odede Wagunda, Principal Secretary for Investment and Assets Management at Kenya’s National Treasury, led the Kenyan delegation, joined by Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho. The Ethiopian team was headed by H.E. Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, a powerful voice in regional economic policy.

Also present were H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD’s Executive Secretary, and H.E. Hon. Mohammed Ali, Governor of Marsabit County, each playing a pivotal role in reinforcing the shared ownership and multisectoral nature of the project. This convergence of leadership underscored the seriousness with which the Daua River Initiative is being pursued.

Unlocking the Future through Shared Water Resources

One of the most compelling aspects of this initiative is its grounding in cooperation. Transboundary water management is a sensitive and often politically charged issue. Yet, the Daua River project demonstrates that shared resources can become the foundation for shared prosperity. The emphasis on finalizing the Master Plan and related initiatives represents a commitment to structure, sustainability, and transparency.

Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho made it clear that Kenya remains fully invested in working collaboratively with Ethiopia to ensure that no community is left behind. He emphasized that the project is not just about infrastructure; it is about people, dignity, and a future where arid regions can contribute meaningfully to national economies.

A New Dawn for the Horn of Africa

As droughts intensify and populations grow, the pressure on water resources in the Horn of Africa will only increase. Yet, this challenge is also an opportunity. With deliberate planning and investment, water can shift from being a source of conflict to a pillar of stability.

The Daua River project offers a glimpse of what is possible when countries put people first and embrace a shared vision. It reflects the principles of regional integration, sustainable development, and proactive governance. Could this be the beginning of a new era of environmental justice and social inclusion for the people of northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia?

Only time will tell. But if the unity and ambition shown at this meeting are anything to go by, the future is not just bright—it is transformative.

The Road Ahead

This bilateral engagement between Kenya and Ethiopia is more than an agreement on paper. It is a commitment to turning a once-overlooked river into a beacon of regional transformation. Through sustainable irrigation, strategic infrastructure, and a people-centered approach, the Daua River Basin Development Initiative promises to be a game-changer.

With IGAD’s support and continued collaboration, and with strategic figures like PS Ephantus Kimotho championing the agenda, the Horn of Africa may yet become a model for how vision, cooperation, and bold action can reshape history.

The seeds of change have been planted. Now, the real work begins.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee: 0708883777