Nyeri water firm basks in 15 years of success

Nyewasco's Kamakwa treatment plant. [File, Standard]

For the past 15 years, Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company (Nyewasco) has retained top position based on assessment by the Water Services Regulatory Board (Wasreb).

The company emerged as the best in several categories; top-performing utility overall, top utility in the very large company category, top utility in the Tana region, and top utility in non-revenue management.

Nyewasco Managing Director Peter Kahuthu attributed the success to a combined effort from all stakeholders and staff, the use of technology, and proximity to water towers and infrastructure.

"We are fortunate enough to be located near two water towers of Mt Kenya and Aberdares which give us access to bigger intakes for our customers," he said.

Mr Kahuthu said the larger water intakes allow for a consistent supply of water throughout the year.

The company has also heavily invested in infrastructure and technology to boost services.

"We use technology to monitor payment and communicate to customers. The company is also quick to repair water burst and leaks in their supply having invested in durable pipes," he told The Standard.

Kahuthu said the Nyewasco staff who carry out field services collect and use data to monitor water usage. "One critical aspect of the company is data collection, and analysis to inform implementation on the finding of data which is collected daily by the staff. This helps the company improve its services."

The MD said Nyewasco staff are committed and have a positive attitude thus making it easy for the company to improve. Kahuthu said the company has been working with the county government to deliver quality services by providing clean water to the public.

"We have enjoyed support from the county government, the board of management, and the entire team which has seen us succeed this far," he said.

He noted the company has embraced technology to provide high-quality water and sewerage services to residents in Nyeri town and its environs.

Climate change has remained the biggest challenge to access to water and Kahuthu said the company participates in conservation where they plant trees through the Kenya Forest Service.

"On corporate social responsibility, the company engages in medical health camps and supports needy children in the society and also visits children's home around as a way of giving back to the society," he said.

The company previously existed as Nyeri Water and Sewerage Company Limited prior to a name change to Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company Ltd effected in May 2019.

Kahuthu noted that from time to time the company trains it staff to improve service.

"The company's future plan is to expand water coverage and extend the sewerage system to cover a larger area," he said.

Nyeri Governor Muhati Kahiga lauded the water company for continuously being the best water and sewage provider locally.

Speaking while receiving trophies in his office, Mr Kahiga said that the company has embraced technology to improve services, including communication and payment made conveniently and in a timely manner.