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Nairobi
February 7, 2025
Water access Water Supply and Distribution

Kakamega County’s water initiative improves access for rural households

Kakamega County has provided clean and safe drinking water to 6,400 rural households under Governor Fernandes Barasa’s initiative, ‘Amatsi Khumuliango’ (Water at the Doorstep). This program has increased the county’s water access from 62% in 2022 to 74%, with a goal of over 90% by 2027.

Peninah Mukabane, County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Water, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, stated that Sh5 billion is needed to ensure all residents have water access. Given budget limitations, the county is partnering with the national government and the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency (LVNWWDA) on projects to enhance water supply.

Despite financial challenges, the county has secured partners to expand water access through borehole drilling and spring protection. Major investments are being made by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation and various organizations, including USAID Western Kenya Water Project, The Water Project, Western Water Sanitation Forum (Wewasafo), and Believers Revival Mission.

The Water Project, an NGO in Western Kenya, has drilled 33 boreholes in schools and communities and maintained several springs. Believers Revival Mission is drilling over 36 boreholes across the county. These partners are installing hand pumps, while the county plans to add hybrid electrical pumps and solar panels to ensure continuous water supply.

Mukabane also mentioned that boreholes drilled in schools would be supplemented with nearby water kiosks for community use. The county is increasing budget allocations and partnering with USAID Western Kenya Water Project to expand last-mile water connectivity in Kakamega town, Mumias town, Navakholo Lwakhupa, and the Likuyani Lumino Water Project.

Additional projects include Mulwanda Water Project in Khwisero, Misango Water Project, Mutao Shavunga in Ikolomani, Makhokho Water Project, Shirere, Mahiakalo, Lukhume in Malava, Khuvasali in Malava, Musembe in Lugari, Kholera in Matungu, Matawa in Matungu, Ekero in Mumias East, Wanga Technical, Obulamu Water Project in Navakholo, Matunda Water Project in Likuyani, Mukoe Water Project in Butere, and Marenyo Water Project in Butere.

The USAID Boresha Jamii project is also assisting with sanitation improvements, aligning with the sustainability goals of Amatsi Khumuliango. However, Mukabane expressed concerns over the destruction of water pipes during road construction and the theft of solar pumps and water utilities, which hinder progress in providing water to residents.

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