The Government of Kenya (GOK) through the National Irrigation Board (NIB) had identified areas of expansion for rice growing in Mutithi Location of Mwea Division in Kirinyaga District. In order
to achieve this objective, a dam was to be constructed downstream of Thiba River in Kabare location, Gichugu division, Kirinyaga County. Towards this end, the land was to be acquired at both the dam site and the irrigation areas.

The land acquisition led to the displacement of persons necessitating the resettlement of the affected people. In order to execute the proposed resettlement of some of the displaced persons at Gathigiriri and AHITI Domba Sites, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) studies had to be carried out and the Reports submitted to NEMA for review and issuance an EIA Licence before the execution of the resettlement exercise.
The ESIA study was carried in accordance with the environmental procedures of the National Environment
Management Authority (NEMA) and with the former JBIC Guidelines for Confirmation of Environmental and Social Consideration (2002)/JICA Guidelines for Environmental and Social Considerations (20I0).