Small dams
Small reservoirs are essential for providing rural communities with water for domestic use and for watering cattle. Hundreds of partially silted up man-made reservoirs exist along the highland streams flowing into the Malewa and Gilgil rivers. Nearly all were established by British colons when they obtained farming concessions from the colonial government during the early XX century. Over time, several reservoirs silted up and the damwalls partially collapsed. At the same time, these systems evolved into semi-natural wetlands and provide important habitats for the wildlife that is being evicted from rural areas as a consequence of intensifying agricultural activities.
Maasai youth collecting water for domestic use at Lower Marmanet Dam, July 2011
