Residents in Syokimau, Machakos County have a persistent problem with access to clean safe drinking water. The water supply in the region is not fully developed to cater for their needs. This has led them to depend on boreholes for their water needs. The residents have complained that the borehole water is salty and not safe to use it. They say
that it causes discoloration to their teeth and clothes (Olingo, 2011).

Itare dam is a flagship project by the Government of Kenya in accordance with the policy of  prioritizing development of water resources. The proposed site was identified as the most viable  long term source of water to address water shortages in Nakuru municipality.