Water project to benefit 1,000 households in Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills Water Project in Kipsebwa, Nandi Hills Constituency. [PCS]

At least 1,000 households are set to benefit from a new $3 million (Sh386,705,000) water treatment and supply facility in Kipsebwa village, Nandi Hills.

The project, funded by the African Development Bank and built by China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group Ltd, was recently launched by President William Ruto.

For years, Kipsebwa and other areas in Kenya have faced a shortage of clean water due to inadequate treatment facilities.

Residents previously used contaminated water, risking their health.

Janet Tarus, a mother of four from Kipsebwa, expressed her relief at the proximity of clean water. "Now I can get clean water just a few minutes from home," Tarus told China Daily, adding that she had previously travelled 15 kilometres to collect 20 litres of water, which was insufficient for her family.

Lawrence Bett, a village elder, noted the impact of the water shortage on the community, saying that children had suffered from diseases including cholera and bilharzia.

"Now, we don't need to worry because the Chinese have connected our homes to clean water," said Bett.

He also mentioned that local schools are now connected to the county waterline, allowing students to focus more on their studies.

"Before, children had to fetch water from far away, but now they can stay in class longer, and we expect their performance to improve," he added.

The availability of clean water has inspired new ventures among villagers.

Gladys Jerobon and other women plan to start a tree nursery project to support their families.

Jepkosgei Tai, a dairy farmer who previously spent Sh25,000 a month on water from vendors, has seen her bill drop by more than half since her home was connected to the new supply.

"This lower water bill means I can reinvest the savings into buying more animal feed," noted Tai.

The project includes large water tanks, upgrades to the existing system, new water kiosks, three ablution blocks, and a new water source from the nearby Mekong River.

President Ruto said the facility currently supplies 250,000 litres of water daily to 1,000 households and announced plans to expand the project over the next three years to benefit at least 10,000 households.

Ma Qiwen, project manager from China Railway No. 10, said the water project supports China's Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at improving living conditions in Kenya.

"The goal is to ensure that the community has access to clean water for household use, helping to prevent waterborne diseases," said Ma.

He also noted that similar projects are underway in Kenya's coastal areas.