Mathioya Dam

Reservoir Dams in Muranga

Mathioya Dam: Powering Mathioya

Having arrived at Muranga town along either entry of the C71 road, via Kabati-Maragua-Muranga Road or Sagana-Muranga Road, the traveller is entitled to explore many places of interest in the county, not to miss the Aberdare Ranges where delightful fishing camps and lodges are sited. About 4 km west of the main Muranga town, via Manyeki Road through Gatheru, lies Mathioya Dam, which is a part of KenGen’s Wanjii Power Station. Commissioned in 1952, this is a run-of-river system dam with a small reservoir holding low water storage capacity.

Its dams the self-same Mathioya River creating a pretty reservoir worth your visit. Mathioya and Maragua rivers have their headwaters on Aberdare Forest. Wanjii station has a total capacity of 7.4MW. Units 1 and 2 are each rated at 3MW and get their run-off water from Mathioya River through a wide tunnel about 5 kms long that runs under Muranga town. The water from the turbines then flows into Maragua River. Units 3 and 4 are fed by Maragua River. A project to update and upgrade the units was awarded to Voith Hydro Germany. Site installation work was planned to begin in July 2019. This project will indubitably prop its capacity.


Kenya has several reservoir dams that play a consequential roles in water supply, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, flood control, and other water-related activities. The most famous of these are Seven Forks Dams along the Tana River. While reservoir dams are critical infrastructure projects that contribute to Kenya’s economic development, they are also visually stunning go-to destinations.


Murang’a County is a rich agricultural and cultural hub, known for its historical significance, beautiful landscapes, and important role in Kenya’s tea and coffee industries. The scenic hillscapes and cultural heritage makes Murang’a County a fascinating destination for visitors interested in nature, history, and agriculture.

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Maximum temperatures ranges between 26°C and 30°C, while the minimum ranges between 14°C and 18°C. In the western area, which is mostly high altitudes, the minimum temperatures can be as low as 6°C in July.

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