GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS RAFT OF WATER PROJECTS TO BOOST ACCESS IN KIBWEZI REGION
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has announced a series of water infrastructure projects worth millions of shillings aimed at expanding access to clean water, strengthening climate resilience and supporting livelihoods across Kibwezi East and Kibwezi West sub-counties.
Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said the county is scaling up investments in water distribution, borehole rehabilitation, dam development and sanitation programmes to address persistent water shortages in arid and semi-arid parts of the county.
Among the projects announced is the extension of the Kiboko Twaandu Distribution and Livelihood Project from Mbiuni to Nthia at a cost of KSh10 million. The project is currently at the procurement stage and is expected to improve household water access while supporting economic activities in the area.
In Kikumbulyu South Ward, the county has initiated the procurement process for the KSh10 million Ngandani Water Distribution Project, while a similar KSh10 million investment has been earmarked for the Athi–Tunguni–Kilisa Water Distribution and Livelihood Project in Kikumbulyu North.
The county is also implementing the Kiboko Twaandu Water Project through a matching grant partnership with World Vision. Under the arrangement, World Vision has contributed KSh79 million while the county government has provided KSh7.5 million.
The project will serve Kiboko Town, Mbiuni and Ngaakaa areas through an expanded reticulation network, with further extension to Nthia planned under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLOCCA) programme.
The governor further announced plans to rehabilitate the Katheani Borehole and the Makindu KIBWASCO borehole in Makindu Ward to improve water service delivery.
To address water shortages in Nguumo Ward, the county plans to invest KSh17 million in the construction of a direct rising main under the ALGON–Kiunduani Water Pipeline to supply water to Kiunduani Market.
The county also plans to extend water supply to the Syumile Water Point from Miundani kwa Matuku at a cost of KSh8 million. In addition, construction of the Sekeleni/Ndovoini Borehole Project under FLOCCA is expected to begin within the next 20 days.
Meanwhile, the governor revealed that the county has secured KSh144 million under the Kenya Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (K-WASH) Performance for Results Programme, implemented by the State Department for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation in partnership with the World Bank.
The funds will be used to improve household water access, strengthen institutional water supply systems and support sanitation initiatives, including efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free status across the county.
The Kibwezi-Makindu Water and Sewerage Company (KIBWASCO) has separately qualified for KSh47 million under the same programme to enhance service delivery. The funds will support household water distribution from projects including Athi-Tunguni, Mang’elete and Ilengeni.
The county is also proposing the construction of Mwiini Dam in Nguumo Ward and Ilingoni Earth Dam in Kibwezi South as part of broader efforts to enhance water security and climate resilience.
