Residents engage water agency on Mavoko supply project

Mavoko residents have engaged water sector stakeholders over the Mavoko Water Supply Project as efforts continue to improve access to reliable water services in the rapidly growing areas of Syokimau, Katani and surrounding neighbourhoods.

The stakeholder meeting brought together the Mavoko Water and Sanitation Company (MAVWASCO), the Syokimau Residents Association (SRA) and the Katani Cosmopolitan Residents Association (KCRA), with the Tanathi Water Works Development Agency presenting information on the water supply project.

The engagement provided a platform for the participating organisations and residents’ representatives to discuss the project and its importance in addressing water supply challenges affecting households and businesses in Mavoko.

Reliable water access remains a significant concern in the area, where population growth and expanding residential developments have increased demand for essential services. According to MAVWASCO, the estimated water supply deficit in Mavoko Sub-county stands at 30,000 cubic metres per day, highlighting the need to develop additional sources and strengthen existing supply systems.

MAVWASCO obtains bulk water from Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, while also abstracting water from the KMC and Portland dams in Athi River for treatment and distribution. The utility also relies on boreholes to supplement its supply.

However, the company has reported declining volumes of bulk water received from Nairobi, further underscoring the importance of expanding water production capacity and improving distribution infrastructure.

The Mavoko Water Supply Project is among the initiatives intended to address these challenges. According to Tanathi Water Works Development Agency, the project includes a new water treatment facility with a capacity of 10,000 cubic metres per day, rehabilitation of the Nol-Turesh water supply system, and improvements to the KMC and Portland dams.

Other components include a treated-water connection from Nairobi, pumping infrastructure and storage facilities designed to strengthen supply to Mavoko and neighbouring communities.

Tanathi states that the project was funded jointly by the Governments of Kenya and Belgium and was completed in March 2021. It was designed to benefit approximately 500,000 residents in Mavoko and its environs.

Despite these investments, continued urban growth and rising demand make further improvements to water production and distribution necessary. MAVWASCO has identified bulk water expansion, dam desilting, borehole development and pipeline extensions among the interventions being pursued to improve service delivery.

The utility also plans to extend distribution networks to additional settlements, including Syokimau, Mlolongo, Kinanie and other developing areas, to improve access for households that remain underserved.

The meeting involving MAVWASCO, TANATHI, SRA and KCRA highlights the importance of engagement between water agencies and residents’ organisations in addressing service delivery concerns. Such forums can help stakeholders exchange information, understand infrastructure plans and identify community priorities as water projects are implemented.

As Mavoko continues to expand, sustained investment in water sources, treatment facilities, storage and distribution networks will be essential to narrowing the supply deficit. Continued cooperation among the water agencies, government institutions and local communities will remain important in supporting reliable and sustainable water services for residents.