It receives most of its water from the Tarakwa and Nderugut rivers, which enter the reservoir from the east through a swamp of Typha latifolia and Cyperus species.

[2] The dam site was originally a depression on the farm of a Danish colonist, Eric Jorgensen, which covered about 500 acres (200 ha) of poor pasture.

[4] During the May 1984 parliamentary debate over establishing Moi University at Eldoret it was pointed out that Lake Lessos was nearby and was one of the largest man-made lakes, so the new university would have a plentiful supply of water, an important consideration due to the dry climate.

However, the dam had been made higher, expanding the reservoir to hold more water, and could be used to supply homesteads in the area.

[10] Clinostomum parasites were found in 75% of a sample of fish taken in 2010–2011 from Kesses Dam, with higher levels among males than females.

The relatively high levels may be due in part to waste water being released into the reservoir from the nearby urban center and school.

[11] The Dam is used as a recreational center by the Moi University students, and by the local people and visitors.