Government assesses water projects in seven counties
Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eng. Eric Mugaa has met senior officials from the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) and Tanathi Water Works Development Agency (TAWWDA) to assess the progress of water and sanitation projects being implemented across seven counties.
The meeting brought together AWWDA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Joseph Kamau, TAWWDA CEO Sammy Naporos and technical teams from the two agencies. The officials reviewed the status of ongoing projects in Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos and Kitui counties.
The engagement focused on tracking the implementation of various projects, identifying challenges affecting progress and discussing measures to ensure planned works are completed within the required timelines. The review covered both water supply and sanitation programmes under the mandates of AWWDA and TAWWDA.
A significant part of the discussions centred on the Northern Collector Tunnel Bulk Water System, which is operated by AWWDA and supplies bulk water to Nairobi. When operating at optimal capacity, the system delivers approximately 140 million litres of water to Nairobi Water every day, making it an important component of the capital’s water supply infrastructure.
Some of the water supplied to Nairobi is also distributed to neighbouring counties, including Machakos and Kajiado. According to the ministry, approximately 15 million litres of water are transmitted daily to the two counties, including EPZ A, which falls within TAWWDA’s area of responsibility.
The officials emphasized the importance of collaboration between agencies responsible for bulk water infrastructure and those involved in water distribution and local service provision. The technical discussions therefore examined the performance of the different systems and ways of improving coordination to ensure efficient and reliable water delivery.
The review also looked at projects being undertaken in Nairobi, Kiambu and Murang’a to increase access to dependable water supplies for households and other users. Similar programmes are being implemented in Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos and Kitui, where improving access to water remains a major public service priority.
Sanitation was another key area of focus during the meeting. The ministry assessed initiatives aimed at improving wastewater management and strengthening sanitation infrastructure in various communities. Such investments are expected to enhance public health, protect the environment and improve living standards, particularly in areas experiencing rapid population growth.
The ministry said it will continue working closely with AWWDA and TAWWDA to address challenges that could delay project implementation. Regular monitoring and technical assessments will be undertaken to identify emerging issues and facilitate timely interventions.
Eng. Mugaa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to reliable water and sanitation services. He emphasized the need for continued coordination among government agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that ongoing projects are delivered effectively and provide lasting benefits to communities across the seven counties.
