Residents of Lelan Ward, Marakwet West Sub-County, are set to benefit from improved access to clean and reliable water following a public participation forum ahead of the implementation of the Kaplain water project.
This is a national government-funded initiative designed to enhance water supply and strengthen water infrastructure in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The consultative forum, which brought together residents, community leaders, and officials from the North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency (NRVWWDA), provided an opportunity for stakeholders to deliberate on the project’s scope, technical design, implementation framework, and anticipated socio-economic benefits.
The Kaplain water project is expected to address persistent water scarcity challenges affecting households, institutions, and businesses in Lelan Ward while contributing to improved public health, agricultural productivity, and the overall economic development.
Speaking during the public participation exercise, Eng. Jimmy Kemboi, the general manager for infrastructure development at the North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency, underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in the successful implementation of public infrastructure projects.
“Public participation is a critical component of project implementation because it gives communities an opportunity to understand project designs, timelines, and expected outcomes. It also allows us to incorporate the views and priorities of beneficiaries to ensure the project delivers maximum impact,” said Eng. Kemboi.
He assured residents that the agency would implement the project in strict compliance with approved engineering designs, technical specifications, and national water sector standards.
“NRVWWDA remains committed to delivering a sustainable and resilient water supply system that will adequately serve the people of Kaplain and the surrounding areas. We shall ensure quality assurance measures are adhered to throughout the project lifecycle to guarantee long-term service delivery,” he added.
Marakwet West Member of Parliament Timothy Kipchumba welcomed the project, describing it as a transformative intervention that would improve livelihoods and support socio-economic growth in the ward.
“We appreciate the national government for funding this critical water project. Water remains one of the most important resources for our communities, and it is essential that the contractor and implementing agency deliver quality work that will stand the test of time,” said Kipchumba.
The legislator emphasized the need for prudent utilization of public resources and strict adherence to engineering and construction standards to ensure residents obtain value for money from the investment.
“Our people deserve a project that is professionally executed and capable of serving future generations. I urge the implementing agency to maintain strict supervision and quality control mechanisms throughout implementation so that residents can fully benefit from this investment,” he said.
Residents who attended the forum expressed optimism that the project would provide a lasting solution to water shortages that have affected domestic consumption, livestock production, and other economic activities in the area for many years.
They noted that inadequate access to clean water has forced many households to travel long distances in search of the commodity, a challenge they expect will be significantly reduced once the project is completed.
Water sector experts at the meeting observed that the project aligns with the government’s broader agenda of expanding access to safe and clean water in rural and underserved areas while strengthening climate-resilient water infrastructure.
Upon completion, the Kaplain Water Project is expected to enhance water accessibility, improve sanitation and hygiene standards, reduce the burden of water collection on households, and stimulate economic activities through reliable water supply.
The project forms part of ongoing interventions being undertaken by the National Government and the North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency to improve water service delivery across the North Rift region.
By Rennish Okong’o
