Kiambu County has appointed six new board members to serve in water companies across Thika, Karuri, Gatundu, Githunguri, Ruiru, and Kikuyu, in a move aimed at bolstering service delivery and water governance across the county.
The appointments, made through the Department of Water, Environment, Energy and Natural Resources, are designed to reinforce the leadership of the respective water service providers.
Speaking through County Executive Committee Member for Water, David Kuria, the administration reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to clean and reliable water for all residents.
“The governor’s vision is not to leave any person behind in water accessibility,” Kuria stated.
The new board members will work alongside existing boards to support infrastructure expansion, address rising demand, and improve operational efficiency across the county’s growing sub-counties. County officials said the strengthened boards will play a key role in ensuring that water providers meet the needs of an increasingly urban population.
Kiambu County is served by nine licensed water service providers, including Thika Water and Sewerage Company, Karuri Water and Sewerage Company, Githunguri Water and Sewerage Company, Ruiru-Juja Water and Sewerage Company, Gatundu South Water and Sanitation Company, and Kikuyu Water Company, among others.
Each firm operates under the oversight of the county government and is mandated to extend and improve water and sanitation services within its designated area.
The appointments build on the county’s flagship Maji Nyumbani programme, which has seen extensive investment in water infrastructure, including the laying of over 100 kilometres of network pipes and the installation of strategically located water tanks, resulting in thousands of new water connections across the county.
In recent weeks, the county has also launched boreholes in various sub-counties, including Lari DDC, Njiku in Kiambaa, and Gatuanabu in Kabete, aiming to connect even more residents to clean water.
The county has further secured funding of Sh5.7 billion to expand the capacity of the Karemenu Dam, a project expected to benefit not only Kiambu but also neighbouring areas such as Ruiru, Juja, and Thika, addressing long-standing water shortages in the region.
Residents have welcomed the developments. “Today I would like to say I will have water in my house thanks to the governor; may he continue doing what he promised the people,” said Mary Kamau from Komothai Ward.
The latest board appointments form part of broader efforts by the county to strengthen water governance and ensure consistent service delivery across all sub-counties.
The county government has indicated it will continue to invest in water infrastructure and support local companies to expand supply networks and improve efficiency.
However, officials acknowledge that comprehensive development extends beyond water access. As urbanisation accelerates, the county faces a growing need to also address sanitation infrastructure and waste management to keep pace with the demands of an expanding population.
By Ivy Chege
