Kisumu secures Sh10.6 billion for clean water, sanitation expansion

Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o and national officials flagged off water utility equipment, including a 6,000-litre jet flush truck and advanced non-revenue water management tools, handed over to KIWASCO. [Sharon Owino, Standard]

Kisumu is set for a major expansion of its water and sanitation systems after it secured a Sh10.6 billion investment under the Lake Victoria West Water and Sanitation (LVWATSAN) program.

The project is funded by the Government of Kenya in collaboration with Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Union.

According to Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o, the program will significantly expand access to clean water and improve sanitation across Kisumu City and Maseno.

The program was launched on Monday during a high-level meeting between Governor Anyang' Nyong'o and Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Mugaa.

Later, the two leaders also flagged off key water utility equipment, including a 6,000-litre jet flush truck and a suite of advanced no-revenue water management tools.

"The program will connect an additional 25,000 households to clean water and link another 1,700 homes to the sewerage network," said Governor Nyong'o.

"It also guarantees reliable water and sanitation infrastructure for 4,968 upcoming affordable housing units in Lumumba, Makasembo, and the proposed LV Marina project in Otonglo."

Nyong'o affirmed Kisumu's full commitment to the project, which is being implemented by KIWASCO with coordination support from the city government and other key stakeholders, including the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA).

CS Mugaa reaffirmed the national government's backing of Kisumu's growing water and sanitation portfolio.

"I briefed Governor Nyong'o on ongoing initiatives spearheaded by the Ministry to enhance water security, support irrigation, and foster socio-economic growth in Kisumu County," he said.

The newly acquired equipment, ranging from leak detectors and flow meters to the jet flush truck, is expected to boost KIWASCO's operational efficiency, reduce water losses, and enhance maintenance of sewer systems.

The LVWATSAN program is expected to reduce non-revenue water to 28 percent and strengthen the institutional performance and long-term sustainability of regional water utilities.

It will also support capacity building for LVSWWDA and the county government, strengthening Kisumu's institutional framework for water governance.

However, the progress has been slowed by community resistance to the proposed Otonglo Wastewater Treatment Plant site, raising concerns over public acceptance and land use.

Beyond Kisumu, the LVWATSAN program is designed to benefit urban centres in Uganda and Tanzania, reinforcing Kisumu's role as a regional hub for water and sanitation development within the Lake Victoria Basin. [Sharon Owino]