Makueni governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has commissioned several water projects at a cost of Sh141.5 million, aimed at expanding access to clean water, strengthening resilience and supporting livelihoods in Kibwezi East and Kibwezi West constituencies.
Mutula was speaking at Ngwiwa Comprehensive School in Makindu Sub county where, he disclosed that the county will upscale investments in water distribution by rehabilitating boreholes and undertaking dams development and sanitation programmes to address persistent water shortages in the region.
Among projects to be done include the Kiboko Twaandu Water project that will be implemented through a matching grant partnership, with the World Vision contributing Sh79 million, while the county government will give Sh7.5 million
The project will serve Kiboko town, Mbiuni and Ngakaa areas through expanded reticulation network, with extension to Nthia village planned under the Financing Locally-led Climate Action (FLOCCA) Programme.
The governor said the other water project, currently under the procurement stage will extend from Mbiuni to Nthia at a cost of Sh10 million. The project is anticipated to improve household water access and support economic activities.
He further disclosed a further Sh10 million project at Kikumbulyu South Ward, Ngandani Water Distribution Project and another invest of similar amount that is Athi-Tunguni-Kilisa water distribution for livelihoods in Kikumbulyu North Ward.
“For generations, water scarcity defined daily life across many parts of our county. Women walked long distances before dawn in search of water. Children missed school, livestock perished during droughts and the entire community lived at the mercy of erratic rainfall. Now we have prioritized securing water for every household while strengthening environmental sustainability,” Mutula said.
“Once completed, the projects will significantly improve water access for safe and reliable supply to households, institutions and businesses in the respective areas,” he added.
In another development, Mutula said that his government plans to invest Sh17 million in the construction of a direct raised main pipeline under the ALGON-Kiunduani Water Pipeline from Umanyi Springs to supply water to Kiunduani market.
He revealed that his administration was also committed to progressively expanding infrastructure to cater for water needs of the people of Kaunguni, Muuni, Syumile and Ndovoini areas with a view to building a prosperous water secure in Nguumo Ward.
“This strategic investment will not only improve access to clean and reliable water, but will also spur business growth, attract investment, create employment opportunities for our people,” said the governor.
“We are planning the extension of water supply to Syumile water Point from Miundani Kwa Matuku at a cost of Sh8 million. Additionally, construction of the Selekeni/Ndovoini Borehole Project under FLOCCA is expected to start within the next 20 days,” he added.
The governor further announced plans to rehabilitate the Katheani borehole and the Makindu KIBWASCO borehole in Makindu Ward to improve water service delivery.
During the event, Mutula said that the county has secured Sh144 million under the Kenya Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (K-WASH) Performance for Results Programme, implemented by the State Department for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation in partnership with the World Bank.
The funds will be used to improve household water access, strengthen institutional water supply systems and support sanitation initiatives, including efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free status across the county.
The Kibwezi-Makindu Water and Sewerage Company (KIBWASCO) has separately qualified for Sh47 million under the same programme to enhance service delivery. The funds will support household water distribution from Athi-Tunguni, Mang’elete and Ilengeni water projects.
The county is also proposing the construction of Mwiini dam in Nguumo Ward and Ilingoni Earth Dam in Kibwezi South, as part of broader efforts to enhance water security and climate resilience.
by Patrick Nyakundi
