# Kenyan Government Terminates Thuci Dam Bid

The Kenyan government has officially terminated the bid submitted by Portugal-based Elevolution Engenharia, S.A. for the development of the Thuci Dam project located in Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties as of August 26, 2026. This decision follows a comprehensive due diligence review that identified the need for updated feasibility studies and alternative procurement approaches under the Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Act. The State Department for Irrigation, led by Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho, has been directed to pursue a fresh procurement process, secure necessary funding, and ensure compliance with financial documentation standards, including submission of audited financial statements prepared according to internationally accepted accounting standards. The project aims to enhance irrigation, water supply, and renewable hydropower generation in the region.

- The terminated contract was a Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) valued at approximately Sh705 million (about $5.45 million), covering financing, design, construction, operation, and transfer under a PPP framework.
- Procurement professionals should note the shift to a new procurement route under the PPP Act, indicating a more structured and compliant approach to project development.
- Contractors and bidders must ensure rigorous financial transparency and adherence to audit standards as emphasized by the State Department for Irrigation.
- This development signals renewed opportunities for qualified firms to participate in a reissued tender for a significant infrastructure project in Kenya's Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- State Department for Irrigation
- Public Private Partnerships Committee (PPP Committee)
- PPP Directorate

### Vendors
- Elevolution Engenharia, S.A. (bidder)
- Weihai International Economic and Technical Corporation (WIETC) (subcontractor/initial partner (withdrew))

### Key Quotes
> The condition is to submit audited financial statements prepared by a reputable independent audit firm in accordance with internationally accepted accounting standards in place of the management accounts initially submitted.
> — Ephantus Kimotho, Principal Secretary for Irrigation

### Sources
- [Thuci Dam: Government terminates Portuguese firm’s bid to develop project, orders fresh procurement

https://t.co/SDfIXPoF3Q](https://x.com/Eastleighvoice/status/2099779598342840613) - twitter-fed-procurement