Water

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.

In a continued effort to strengthen water security and empower communities, Makueni County has donated water tanks to eight women’s groups under the Path From Poverty Organisation.

The organisation, which brings together 4,600 women, has already supported 1,600 families across the county with water tanks, helping households harvest and store water for domestic use and livelihood activities.

The beneficiary groups which received the water tanks from Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. include: Lucky Kithuiani, Neema Uthiuni, Muuo wa Kinyee SHG, Umu Village SHG, Mbumye Mutoma Muongo, Uumwe wa Kyawandii, Ngwate Kwoko, and Kyeni Kya Yatwa B.

Makueni County deputy governor Lucy Mulili on Tuesday inspected the ongoing Sh13 million Water Project in Mbulutini, Thange Ward, in a bid to fast-track improved access to clean water.

Accompanied by area MCA Eric Katumo, the Deputy Governor assessed progress on the project, which is funded under the Flloca programme in partnership with the County Government of Makueni.

The project includes construction of a 100-cubic-metre distribution tank at Thange Market, additional 20,000-litre storage tanks for surrounding villages, and a sand dam within Thange Forest to boost water harvesting and groundwater recharge.

Thee project is expected to ease chronic water shortages in Thange and neighbouring areas once complete.

The County Government of Makueni on Tuesday commissioned the Kangi Water Project in Katoloni Village, improving access to clean and safe water for residents of Wote Nziu Ward.

The project, implemented by the Sisters of Hope Self-Help Group with support from the Water Justice Fund through Neighbors Initiative Alliance and in partnership with the county government, rehabilitated the Kangi sand dam along River Ndue Nguu. It also included construction of a water sump, installation of a solar-powered pumping system, pipeline extension, and establishment of a communal water point with a storage tank. A tree nursery was also set up as part of the initiative.

County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Planning, Budget and Revenue, Damaris Kavoi, represented Governor H.E. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. at the commissioning. She said the project demonstrates the county’s commitment to sustainable, community-led development and efficient use of public resources, and reaffirmed continued support for partnerships that improve livelihoods and climate resilience.

Chief Officer for Water and Sanitation David Makau called on residents to protect the infrastructure to ensure long-term service delivery, warning that vandalism of public water projects would attract legal action.

Wote Nziu Ward MCA Felix Mateso and other county officials attended the event, which included a tree-planting exercise to promote environmental conservation.

Residents welcomed the project, saying it will reduce the burden of fetching water and improve daily life in Katoloni Village.