Water

The County Government of Makueni on Monday officially handed over the Kitise Water Project to a contractor tasked with completing key works, including the construction of a 5.6-kilometre return line, solarization of the treatment plant, and grid connection at the source, among other components.

Once completed, the project is expected to benefit more than 11,000 residents, institutions, and water kiosks in the area.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who led a county delegation on an inspection tour of the project site, underscored the persistent challenge of water scarcity in arid and semi-arid areas, noting that women bear the greatest burden in searching for water.

She reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to ensuring that the distance between homesteads and water sources is reduced to less than two kilometres.

Mulili also urged the local water management committee to uphold accountability and embrace public participation in discussions surrounding the management of the project.

She described water projects in the county as strategic assets that must be protected from recurring vandalism and called on residents to act as watchdogs in safeguarding the infrastructure.

Among those who accompanied the Deputy Governor were CECMs Japheth Mang’oka(water), Nicholas Nzioka(Devolution ) Damaris Kavoi,(Finance) and area MCA Sebastian Muli, among other county officials.

H.E. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. joined the faithful of Kiuuku AIC in Kitise/Kithuki Ward for a church service, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to water development and the expansion of irrigation projects across the county.

During the service, the Governor announced plans for a meet the people and development tour of the ward to commission completed projects . He highlighted the ongoing KSh60 million water project covering 42 acres along the Londokwe River at the border of the Kitise and Kithuki sub-wards.

Phase One of the project is expected to be completed by mid-June, while Phase Two is scheduled to begin at the start of the new financial year. Once complete, the project is expected to benefit residents of Munathi, Muambani, Matheani, Mayuu, and Kimundi areas.

The service was attended by Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, Clerk Kevin Mutuku, and several MCAs.

The occasion also saw 90 faithful, including Clerk Kevin Mutuku, graduate to various church ranks.

The Government of Makueni County has intensified efforts to strengthen sustainability and accountability in rural water service delivery through a high-level engagement bringing together the Department of Water, Water Service Providers and the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).

The meeting, led by Ag. CECM for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Japheth Mang’oka and Chief Officer David Makau, focused on reforms aimed at ensuring community water schemes operate professionally, transparently and in compliance with regulatory standards.

Key discussions centered on licensing of rural water schemes, tariff approvals, delegated service provision agreements and accountability measures to enhance efficiency in water management.

Held under the K-WASH Programme, the forum also reviewed the performance of Water Service Providers in the county and explored sustainable management models expected to improve operations and expand access to clean, reliable water for rural communities

Four Board Members of Mbooni Water and Sanitation Company Limited (MBONWASCO) were on Wednesday sworn into office by the County Solicitor, in a ceremony presided over by County Secretary Justine Kyambi, marking a new phase in water service delivery in Mbooni Sub-county.

Kyambi challenged the new board to deliver tangible results, reaffirming the county government’s commitment to expanding Last Mile Water Connectivity to increase access to clean and reliable water.

Ag. CECM for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Japheth Mang’oka urged the board to address vandalism of water infrastructure and highlighted the ongoing Mulima Dam Water Project as a key investment expected to boost water supply in the region.

The swearing was also witnessed by Tulimani Ward MCA Kyalo Mumo and Finance CECM Damaris Kavoi.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. Wednesday commissioned the Ilengeni Water distribution Project at Kwa Thuku, Mbitini Ward , a transformative investment aimed at expanding access to clean and reliable water for the people.

Drawing water from the 25,000 cubic metre Ilengeni Dam, the project features a modern treatment plant, hybrid-powered pumping system, solar infrastructure, storage facilities, and an extensive distribution network.

The project will supply 160 cubic metres of clean water daily, serving Mbitini and Emali Mulala wards, and benefiting 15 villages through 9 community water points featuring 11 kilometer water pipe line and water storage facilities.

The project is a major step in the governors commitment to sustainable water access and improved livelihoods across Makueni County.

The Makueni County Government has intensified upgrades to its water supply infrastructure in Wote and surrounding areas in a bid to stabilize distribution and ease persistent shortages.

Acting County Executive Committee Member for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Japheth Mang’oka led an inspection of key projects alongside WOWASCO Managing Director Urbanus Ndunda and other officials.

At the Kamunyolo Water Project, now 80 percent complete, capacity is being expanded from 300 to 500 cubic metres per day to boost supply to Wote. The Kwa Kitungu project will add 90 cubic metres per day through a solar-powered pumping system, targeting improved supply in areas including Kasarani and Kunda Kindu.

Meanwhile, emergency rehabilitation works at the Kaiti 1 Water Project are expected to increase daily supply hours from eight to 14.

County officials say the interventions will improve reliability of water access for households, businesses and institutions, as part of ongoing investment in sustainable water infrastructure.

The County Government of Makueni has stepped up efforts to improve water service delivery by equipping staff of Wote Water and Sewerage Company Limited (WOWASCO) with safety gear and identification items.

The equipment, commissioned on Tuesday, includes gloves, helmets, reflectors, gumboots, aprons and first aid kits aimed at protecting workers from occupational hazards during daily operations. The move comes as the utility continues to post steady performance in serving residents within its jurisdiction.

Acting County Executive Committee Member for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Japheth Mang’oka, said the county is committed to enhancing staff welfare and pledged continued support through additional equipment. He also called for increased funding and grants to expand services.

WOWASCO Managing Director Urbanus Ndunda welcomed the initiative, saying improved safety and proper staff identification would enhance response to customer needs.

The County Government of Makueni is on the brink of a major milestone in water service delivery, with the Mulima Dam Water Treatment Project now 95% complete, promising reliable access to clean and safe water for residents of Mbooni.

Speaking during an inspection visit, Acting CECM for Water and Sanitation Japheth Mang’oka affirmed the county’s commitment to delivering the project within the stipulated timeline, with commissioning expected before the end of the year.

Once complete, the project will significantly ease access to water for domestic use while advancing the county’s Last Mile Water Connectivity agenda. In the long term, plans are underway to desilt Mulima Dam to increase its storage capacity and expand supply to more households, including parts of Kithungo/Kitundu Ward, reinforcing Makueni’s commitment to achieving universal water coverage.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. Tuesday held a consultative meeting with representatives from the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Lower Eastern region. The meeting focused on reviewing the status of projects being implemented by the authority, identifying areas of collaboration to complement irrigation development schemes in Makueni, mapping priority areas to ensure project sustainability, projects co-creation and scaling up support outcomes.The Governor raised concerns over stalled and delayed irrigation projects by NIA, noting that the performance of irrigation systems has a direct impact on water availability and food security.

The NIA delegation was led by Rispah Okumbe, the Regional Coordinator for the Lower Eastern region, and accompanied by members of the Kikome Irrigation Scheme.