Ruto commissions Ksh1.3 billion Kiserian–Ongata Rongai water project

Residents of Kiserian, Ngong and Ongata Rongai are set to benefit from improved and more reliable water services following the commissioning of the Ksh1.3 billion Kiserian–Ongata Rongai Water Supply Project.

The landmark project, implemented by the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) through financial cooperation between the Governments of Kenya and Germany, is designed to address longstanding water supply challenges in the rapidly growing communities of Kajiado County.

The commissioning was presided over by President William Samoei Ruto, alongside Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eng. Eric Mugaa and Principal Secretary for the State Department for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir, CBS, marking a major milestone in the expansion of water infrastructure in the region.

With an estimated 180,000 residents in Kajiado North and Kajiado West constituencies expected to benefit, the project significantly expands the capacity of the water supply network serving the area.

At the heart of the investment is an extensive 220-kilometre water pipeline network, which will improve the distribution and reach of treated water to households and other users across Kiserian, Ngong and Ongata Rongai.

The project has also delivered 32 million litres of additional water storage capacity, strengthening the system’s ability to maintain supply and manage fluctuations in demand.

To further improve access, the project includes 20 community water-source boreholes, providing additional sources of water for local communities and helping to enhance resilience in areas facing supply constraints.

The investment has also supported the rehabilitation and expansion of the Mbagathi and Kiserian Water Treatment Plants, increasing the capacity and efficiency of existing infrastructure while making better use of water already available within the system.

A key outcome of the project is the ability to deliver approximately 5 million litres of water per day from the Northern Collector system into the supply network serving the region.

For communities in Kajiado, where rapid population growth and urbanisation have placed increasing pressure on existing water infrastructure, the project represents more than an expansion of pipelines and storage facilities. It is a strategic investment aimed at improving the reliability, sustainability and reach of water services.

The Kiserian–Ongata Rongai corridor has experienced significant residential and commercial growth in recent years, increasing demand for essential services, particularly water. The new infrastructure is therefore expected to play an important role in supporting households, businesses and institutions as the area continues to expand.

The project’s commissioning also highlights the value of international cooperation in financing critical infrastructure. The partnership between Kenya and Germany has enabled a substantial investment in water infrastructure while supporting the government’s broader efforts to increase access to safe and reliable water services.

For residents, the ultimate measure of the project’s success will be whether the new infrastructure translates into more consistent water availability, reduced pressure on existing sources and greater access to water closer to homes and businesses.

The commissioning therefore marks the beginning of a new phase for water service delivery in Kajiado — one in which expanded treatment, storage and distribution capacity is expected to provide a stronger foundation for the region’s growing population.

As the Kiserian, Ngong and Ongata Rongai areas continue to urbanise, the Ksh1.3 billion investment is poised to become a critical component of the region’s water security infrastructure, bringing renewed hope for more reliable and sustainable water supply to approximately 180,000 people.