Residents welcome Kakamega County plan to merge two water companies

KACWASCO official inspecting a water meter at a residence in Kakamega County. [Mumo Munuve, Standard]

Kakamega residents have welcomed plans by the county government to merge two water companies into one large entity.

The arrangement will see the functions of Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO) and Kakamega County Rural Water and Sanitation Company (KACRWASCO) consolidated in a bid to enhance efficiency and a return to profitability.

The decision was arrived at following public participation meetings held in 12 sub-counties last week where residents said a merger would result in improved management and enhanced service delivery.

"We expect the cost of running the two companies to reduce drastically and more resources channelled into expanding water supply coverage so that many people can have access to piped water," said Japheth Nadikove from Navakholo.

Mr Nadikove said KACRWASCO has not been doing well in terms of service delivery compared to KACWASCO.

KACRWASCO, which was formed last year, was the brainchild of outgoing Governor Wycliffe Oparanya. The company was meant to ensure access to clean water by the rural population under an initiative dubbed 'Amatsi Khumukuru' (water at the doorstep).

"The key objective was to cut on operational costs so that we can save money and channel the funds into improving service delivery," said Rodah Masaviru, the minister for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, during a meeting held at Kakamega Polytechnic last Friday.

County Attorney Vivian Mmbaka said KACRWASCO had continued to post huge losses since it was established. It faced challenges in delivering water to clients while its employees went without salaries.

"The company has been generating a paltry Sh500,000 every month against an expenditure of Sh3 million," she said, adding that the KACRWASCO board will be dissolved once the merger arrangements are complete.

KACWASCO acting CEO Christabell Ashiono said they were ready to take over the functions of KACRWASCO and ensure residents get a constant supply of water.

Ms Ashiono said despite the merger, KACRWASCO will continue to exist as a registered company but under the management of KACWASCO "until it is able to stand on its own."

She said the company will retain the firm's staff under its payroll, and they will be expected to generate revenue to sustain its operations.

"The company will continue to serve its clients but under KACWASCO. We expect their staff to sign performance contracts as we strive to generate funds and pay salaries."