The Ndakaini Dam, a 70 million cubic metres of fresh water reservoir, lies about 80km north of Nairobi, and 40 km west of Thika town on the slopes of the Aberdares at an altitude of 2040 meters above sea level. The dam is approximately 60 metres deep, covers a surface area of approximately 3 sq km, has a 1.3 megawatt power generation facility and provides significant opportunities for community investment.

Constructed in late 1980's, the dam directly displaced more than 4,000 households and has since altered the livelihoods of the residents within the vicinity. The negative effects include displacement of further families as the backwaters of the dam stretch 4 kms along the valleys, increased respiratory illness and lower tea output due to lower temperatures, and disruption of educational and economic normalcy. The dam altered the road network hence making it costlier to travel across the ridges especially for Ndakaini schools and shopping centre's customers.

RELEVANCE TO NDAKAINI DAM:-
The construction of the dam has changed the lives of the people who have, however, not gained from this resource. In contrast to expected best practice, the Nairobi City Council (NCC) never indicated any real interest to conserve the dam's catchment area, or compensate the residents for the externalities caused by the dam. Even the NWSC did not assume responsibility over catchment management but only the supply assets from the dam to consumers.Readmore.