Kirinyaga County residents have welcomed a significant change as about 400,000 people now receive a continuous supply of clean water, ending years of rationing. This improvement follows the completion of the Kerugoya-Kutus bulk water project, a collaborative effort between the national and county governments. Previously, residents only had access to water for 18 hours a day, but now they enjoy an uninterrupted 24-hour supply.
The project has notably increased water production from 10,000 to 30,000 cubic meters per day by drawing water from the Thiba and Kiringa rivers. This substantial increase has addressed the persistent water shortages that plagued most parts of the county. The Kirinyaga Water and Sanitation Company, owned by the county government, manages the project.
Governor Anne Waiguru has hailed the project as a monumental step towards providing universal access to clean and affordable water. She highlighted the transformative impact on towns such as Mutithi, Kagumo, Makutano, Kagio, Kerugoya, Sagana, Kandongu, and Kangai. Additionally, Waiguru pledged her government’s commitment to lobbying for the extension of a parallel water line from the intake to serve the upper Gichugu residents in Karumandi, Baragwi, Kabare, and Njukiini wards.
Water executive James Kinyua emphasized the project’s capacity to extend water supply to underserved areas, thanks to the increased storage of an extra 20,000 cubic meters per day. The treatment plant at Muratiri has also played a crucial role in improving water quality by reducing turbidity to zero, ensuring that residents can consume water directly from the tap. “We conduct monthly testing to ensure the quality is maintained,” Kinyua added.
The availability of clean water is expected to significantly reduce the prevalence of water-borne diseases, improving overall public health. Moreover, the project has greatly reduced water loss during distribution, thus decreasing non-revenue water and increasing county revenue.
Residents have expressed their gratitude for the project. Idd Abdul from Kerugoya town noted that the water shortage they previously experienced is now a thing of the past. “We are grateful that the situation has changed and we can now access clean water every day,” he said.
James Wahome, another resident from Muratiri, shared how the regular flow of clean water has improved hygiene standards in their household. “As a user of the new supply line, I am thankful that we now have a solution to the water rationing problems that we faced constantly, whereby we only had water once or twice a week,” Simon Wanjohi of Sagana town remarked.
The over Sh1 billion project, commissioned last year and funded by the African Development Bank, marks a significant investment in the region’s infrastructure. With a capacity to supply 30,000 cubic meters of water daily, the project represents a sustainable solution to the county’s water scarcity issues.
Governor Waiguru’s administration continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the living standards of Kirinyaga residents. The success of the Kerugoya-Kutus bulk water project stands as a testament to effective governance and strategic investment in essential services. As water scarcity becomes a concern of the past, residents can look forward to better health outcomes, enhanced hygiene, and improved quality of life.
