KIRINYAGA — The County Government of Kirinyaga has officially taken over assets previously managed by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) at the Thiba Dam site, marking a significant development in local infrastructure management.

According to Kenya News Agency, the handover ceremony signifies a deepening of the partnership between the NIA and the Kirinyaga County Government. Mwasia noted that the assets, crucial during the dam's construction, would now serve the community beneficially. "Today marks a significant step in our relationship with the County Government of Kirinyaga as we follow through with President Ruto’s directive from the dam's commissioning in October 2022," he said.

The assets transferred include six prefabricated residential houses, nine masonry residential houses, two dormitories, and four semi-detached houses. The local government intends to transform some of the facilities into a medical center to address health issues such as malaria and other waterborne diseases that have arisen since the dam altered the local ecosystem.

Deputy Governor David Githanda, who represented Governor Anne Waiguru at the ceremony, emphasized the commitment to converting the transferred facilities for public benefit, particularly in enhancing healthcare services. "We have now taken over these facilities, which are in excellent condition, and will begin converting them for community use," Githanda stated.

While the asset transfer is complete, the ownership of the land under which these assets sit will be finalized at a later date in accordance with the Land Registration Act No. 3 of 2012. Githanda assured that the process for the land transfer is underway and expected to be resolved soon.