Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has expressed confidence in the progress made by the Kirinyaga County Water and Sanitation Company (KICOWASCO) as a result of ongoing reforms aimed at improving the county’s water management. According to Waiguru, the reforms have begun to bear fruit, with significant improvements in the reduction of Non-Revenue Water (NRW), a major issue that had previously plagued the company.
Non-Revenue Water refers to water that has been produced but is not billed to customers, often due to illegal connections, unmetered water consumption, leakages, and outdated infrastructure. Prior to the reforms, NRW in Kirinyaga stood at a worrying 59 percent as of June 2022. However, by October 31st, 2023, the figure had dropped to 52 percent, reflecting the effectiveness of the reforms being implemented at the company. Waiguru emphasized that addressing NRW was a critical step towards improving the efficiency and sustainability of water distribution in the county.
The governor attributed the initial high NRW levels to several factors, including unmetered connections for community water projects, illegal water taps, and the dilapidated state of the water infrastructure. She also cited frequent leaks and bursts as contributing to the loss of revenue. In response to these challenges, the county government has embarked on a comprehensive strategy to ensure that the water company is managed more prudently, with an emphasis on making water and sanitation services more cost-effective, reliable, and accessible to residents.
As part of the reforms, Waiguru announced that the county government is committed to reducing NRW to below 35 percent within the next year. This ambitious target is aligned with the company’s 2021-2026 strategic plan, which has outlined clear action plans, resource needs, and expected outcomes to tackle the problem of NRW. The plan focuses on modernizing the water network, improving metering systems, and ensuring better management practices within the company.
Governor Waiguru also highlighted the ongoing recruitment process for a new Managing Director for KICOWASCO, a move she believes will play a vital role in steering the company towards growth and efficiency. The appointment is expected to bring fresh leadership to the company, helping to implement the reforms and ensure that the county’s water supply remains sustainable for the long term.
In addition to governance reforms, Waiguru noted that the county government has undertaken several water supply expansion projects, particularly in areas that previously lacked access to piped water. These projects, she said, are vital in ensuring that more residents have reliable access to water. The reforms also include plans to meter all water consumption in the county, which is expected to significantly reduce water wastage and improve revenue collection.
One of the key issues discussed during the Senate Committee on County Public Investment and Special Funds was the transfer of water company assets from the national government to the county. Waiguru explained that some of the assets, including land and water tanks, had yet to be officially transferred to KICOWASCO, preventing them from being included in the company’s asset register. This, she said, was an issue that needed to be fast-tracked through the Council of Governors (COG) to ensure proper management and accountability of the water company’s assets.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who chaired the committee, commended the Kirinyaga County Government for implementing the Senate’s recommendations. He emphasized that addressing NRW and ensuring that every drop of water is metered would help maximize the benefits to the residents of Kirinyaga. By reducing NRW and improving the management of water resources, the county government is not only ensuring better service delivery but also making strides toward achieving sustainable water usage and conservation for the future.
In conclusion, the reforms at KICOWASCO, under the leadership of Governor Anne Waiguru, are showing promising results. With continued focus on reducing NRW, expanding water access, and improving management practices, Kirinyaga County is well on its way to achieving a more efficient and sustainable water supply system for its residents.
