More than 25,000 households in Kisumu City and its environs are set to benefit from clean piped water, following the launch of an expanded water supply and storage system, under the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation (LVWATSAN) programme.
The Phase II Lot 1 project, implemented by the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA), will see the city’s water network extended by 156 kilometres, with an additional 25 kilometres laid in Maseno Township.
To strengthen supply, new storage tanks with a combined capacity of 1,450 cubic metres will be constructed at Obwolo (250m³), Bukna (150m³), Maseno town (1,000m³) and Maseno market (150m³).
The project also includes rehabilitating an existing borehole and sinking a new one in Maseno Township to bolster supply.
Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, who presided over the groundbreaking ceremony at Obwolo in Kisumu East Sub-County, said the Sh8.6 billion programme is jointly funded by the government of Kenya, the French
Development Agency (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union.
Mugaa noted that the investment is critical to meeting the rising demand for water in Kisumu and Maseno, which have experienced rapid population growth.
“The LVWATSAN initiative is structured in three phases. Phase I, now 90 per cent complete, combines water and sanitation works. Phase II, which we have launched, focuses on water expansion, while Phase III will improve Dunga intake works and rehabilitate the Nyalenda waste treatment ponds,” he said.
The CS stressed that sanitation remains a key priority in the ongoing interventions, pointing out that Kisumu’s sewerage coverage stands at just 18 percent.
“For long, we invested in water supply without matching investments in sanitation. This programme changes that by ensuring both move hand in hand,” he said.
Mugaa acknowledged challenges facing water utilities in the region including high levels of non-revenue water estimated at 38 per cent in Kisumu, vandalism and contractual delays.
He said his ministry has already provided leak detection equipment and vehicles to the county government of Kisumu to help address losses, while a special water police unit has been set up to curb vandalism.
The CS also announced plans to establish bulk water service providers, in line with the Water Act 2016 to improve revenue collection and loan repayment, assuring development partners that their investments will not be in vain.
“This project will touch the hearts of the people and transform livelihoods in this region,” said the CS, while thanking development partners and Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o for their support.
French Development Agency Director for Africa, Sandra Kessab, said the investment was proof of strong cooperation between Kenya and France in the water sector.
“I am really pleased to be part of this groundbreaking ceremony. Such infrastructure is achieved in Kisumu thanks to the commitment of the Government of Kenya and its partners. France is proud to have been your partner in water for two decades, and through AFD, we remain committed to bridging the gap in access to clean water and sanitation for the most underserved communities,” she said.
Kessab noted that AFD has supported three major projects in Kisumu, benefitting more than 500,000 residents over the years.
“Kenya is experiencing rapid urbanization, which poses social, economic and environmental challenges for cities. Through this investment and our cooperation with the EIB and the EU, we are committed to supporting the government, water agencies and utilities to expand water production and distribution for Kenyan citizens,” she added.
France’s Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s water and sanitation sector.
“France is Kenya’s first bilateral partner in this sector, and for more than two decades we have invested together to improve lives. Today’s groundbreaking is not just about pipes and tanks; it is about dignity, health and opportunities for the people of Kisumu,” said the envoy.
Prof, Nyong’o hailed the project as a milestone in Kisumu’s transformation into a modern city.
“Our city has grown rapidly, and water demand has outpaced supply. This project is a game changer that will not only increase coverage but also ensure equity in distribution, especially to underserved settlements. We are committed as a county to working hand in hand with the national government and our partners to make Kisumu a model city on Lake Victoria,” said the governor.
Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir welcomed the project, but urged that poorer neighbourhoods are not left behind as new infrastructure is rolled out.
“These new tanks at Bukna and Obwolo are good investments, but they largely serve well-off areas. We must also ensure the poorer side of Kajulu gets connected,” he said, appealing for the construction of an additional tank downstream from Bukna to serve Kajulu residents.
The LVWATSAN programme, first launched in 2006, has already delivered key infrastructure including the Kajulu and Dunga water systems.
Once completed, officials say the new phase will significantly expand water access and improve sanitation across the Lake Victoria Basin.
By Chris Mahandara
