Water

HUNDREDS OF KITHUNGO/KITUNDU RESIDENTS ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY AND INCOME BOOST THROUGH CLIMATE-SMART FARMING INITIATIVE

Residents of Kithungo/Kitundu are reaping the benefits of food sufficiency and increased incomes thanks to Kathambalani irrigation scheme, a project supported by the county government’s innovative green roads water harvesting program.

The scheme utilizes water harvested from a road drift constructed across the Kathambalani stream, which captures substantial volumes of sand and underground water. This water is then channeled to irrigate farmlands, enabling year-round crop production.

During a routine inspection of the project on Wednesday, County Executive Committee Member for Water, Eng. John Kieti, announced plans to allocate funds in the upcoming financial year for the construction of a mega sump and distribution tank so as to reach more residents.

Area MCA Kisungi Katete, who accompanied Eng. Kieti during the inspection, praised the initiative for its positive impact on the community.

KITISE WATER AND IRRIGATION PROJECTS MAKE PROGRESS

A water and irrigation project in Kitise, currently 50% complete, is set to positively impact over 1,500 households in the area.

The initiative, which aims to provide clean domestic water, promote conservation agriculture, and enhance climate resilience, is making steady progress in improving the livelihoods of local residents.

Key components of the project include the construction of a 100m³ water sump, solar-powered systems to facilitate efficient water distribution to various points, and the installation of a 3.2 km pipeline leading to a booster station for sustained water supply.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who chairs the Emergency Sub-Committee within the cabinet, visited the site alongside a team of County Executive Committee Members (ECMs) and the area MCA Sebastian Muli to assess the project’s progress.

During the visit, Mulili reassured the community that the county is fully committed to enhancing water accessibility and sustainability, emphasizing the long-term benefits these projects will bring to local residents.

In addition to the water supply project, the team also visited the Kikome Irrigation Scheme Phase 3, which is designed to serve 63 households, each receiving one acre for agricultural use.

This phase of the project will involve the construction of a pipeline network covering 15 acres, the installation of infiltration galleries for the collection sump tank, and the desilting of the existing 100m³ concrete sump tank.

MAKUENI COUNTY GOVT. TO DISTRIBUTE WATER IN KIIMA KIU- KALANZONI WARD FROM 2 DAMS.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has promised Kiima Kiu-Kalanzoni Ward residents that the County government will distribute water to local residents from Katilini and Kilombo dams in the area.

The area has suffered prolonged drought, leading to scarcity of water.He spoke on Monday at Kyamuloi village when he handed over 6 tents and 600 chairs to organized groups in the area. The tents have a capacity of holding 100 people each.

Each group received 1 tent and 100 chairs through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services.

Area MP Thaddeus Nzambia and MCAs led by Deputy Speaker, Francis Mulwa and area MCA, Justus Mwanzia attended the function.

WAUTU/KYANGAATI SAND DAM: TRANSFORMING LIVES WITH CLEAN WATER, CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE.

Wautu/Kyangaati sand dam in Ilima ward, Kaiti Sub-county, currently 80% complete, is being constructed across Wautu River and is set to transform the lives of the local community.

Once operational in a month, the project will provide clean water for domestic use to 250 households, nearby educational institutions, and Wautu Market. Additionally, it will support irrigation for the cultivation of 5,000 avocado trees, boosting household incomes through sustainable agriculture. As part of the project’s environmental impact, 400 riparian tree species will be planted to restore the land and promote conservation efforts.

This project is a collaborative effort between the Government of Makueni County and the World Bank, funded under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program.

MAKUENI’S WATER DEPARTMENT CALLS FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO COMBAT VANDALISM OF WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

The Department of Water and Sanitation is urgently appealing for community assistance to address the rampant vandalism of water infrastructure, which has caused severe disruptions in water distribution across the county.

Since last year, water installations valued at Sh 45 million have been vandalized, with the vandals targeting solar panels, generators, G.I. pipes, water tanks, gate valves, air valves, and other critical components of water distribution systems. These acts of sabotage have left thousands of residents without reliable access to water.

On Tuesday, County Executive for Water, Eng. John Kieti, inspected the vandalized Kaangi borehole and Kamuthini water projects. The destruction of these facilities has plunged over 1,500 households into a water crisis, exacerbating the challenges faced by the community.

Kieti emphasized that, in addition to collaborating with the community to tackle this issue, the county government will henceforth implement stringent security measures. These include erecting razor-sharp fencing around key water source points, installing CCTV cameras for surveillance, and amending the Makueni Water Act to classify vandalism as an act of economic sabotage, with offenders facing severe penalties.

GOVERNOR KILONZO JR. ENGAGES DSIF ON FUNDING FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER PROJECTS.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday met with Madam Tina Kollerup Hansen, Senior Vice President of the Investment Fund for Developing Countries under Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF), in Nairobi.

DSIF, a Danish Organization, provides funding for infrastructure projects in developing countries, focusing on sustainability as a key pillar.

Tina expressed interest in Makueni’s water harvesting modes and pledged to support the county with feasibility studies and funding for sustainable water management.

During the discussions, Governor Kilonzo affirmed his government’s commitment in development cooperation to improve the quality of life for Makueni residents.

The meeting was attended by DSIF Investment Director Andrew Githaiga and County officials, including Eng. David Makau (Water), Eng. Naomi Nthambi (Energy), Felistus Mutune (Office of the Governor), and Deputy Director Gloria Katheu Mulwa (Partnerships).

MAKUENI STEPS UP WATER GOVERNANCE REFORMS

Makueni’s Water and Sanitation Department is spearheading a series of governance reforms in the county’s Water Service Providers to ensure residents have access to reliable and sufficient water.

On Wednesday, the County Executive Committee Member for Water, John Kieti, met with the leadership of KIMAWASCO in Kibwezi to address the company’s operational challenges, including the loss of 52 percent of water supplied in the form of unaccounted-for water.

The department is employing a multi-pronged approach to combat this issue, including securing funds to automate all water draw-off points, reducing commercial water supply losses, and enacting a water act that will criminalize infrastructure vandalism.

BUILDING A WATER SECURE MAKUENI

In an endeavor to enhance water access to residents of Makueni, through the Last Mile Water Connectivity program, County Executive Member for Finance Damaris Kavoi on Monday launched Mulima dam phase 2 distribution works, on behalf of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.

This project aims to enhance the pumping system of Mulima’s treated water to Syiluni hill and distribution through the existing pipeline to residents of Mbooni and Tulimani wards.

The launch was witnessed by CECs John Kieti (Water), Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution) and area MCA Alexander Mulemba.

UN EYES EXPANSION OF MAKUENI’S SAND DAMS SUCCESS ACROSS KENYA

Makueni’s sand conservation efforts have caught the eye of the United Nations Mission in Kenya, which now seeks to replicate the sand dam conservation technology to the rest of the country.

On Friday, a delegation of 12 UN agencies and the State Department of Devolution trooped to Makueni for an experiential learning mission on the impact of sand dams towards addressing water shortages, food security, climate change and ecological restoration.

The experience, according to UN-Mission Kenya Resident Coordinator Dr. Stephen Jackson will be key in upscaling sand dams’ construction in Makueni and other parts of the country through a joint working framework with the Ministry of Devolution and counties.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr who hosted the delegation said Makueni is heavily investing in sand dams as a solution to perennial challenges of hunger, water shortages and negatives effects of climate change. The county has a total of over a 1,000 sand dams, with potential for 1,000 more across its major seasonal rivers.

Devolution Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika who coordinates all development partners in the country led the UN delegation to Makueni.

GOVERNOR MUTULA HOSTS CHRISTIAN AID TEAM.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday hosted Christian Aid representatives from London, Mr. Nick Georgiadis and Elizabeth Walker, at his office in Wote, marking a significant step towards deepening development partnerships in Makueni County.

Christian Aid, a UK-based charity, has been at the forefront of impactful projects in Makueni, working closely with local partners such as Kitise Rural Development (KRD), Cereal Growers Association (CGA), and Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADS-E).

During the meeting which focused on water access and food security, Mutula emphasized on the importance of ensuring safe and clean water is available for both agriculture and households.

“Equitable access to water is essential for the well-being of our residents and the growth of our economy,” he stated.

The meeting, also attended by Christian Aid Kenya Board Member Ms. Pauline Nguyai, further explored on key initiatives including bulk water and irrigation projects, solar-powered water systems and last-mile water connectivity to boost food security and improve livelihoods across the county.

This collaboration highlights a strong commitment towards sustainable development and a brighter future for Makueni.

The governor was flanked by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, alongside County Executive Committee Members for Water and Agriculture, Eng. John Kieti and Ms. Joyce Mutua respectively.