Ruto commissions KSh350 million Kapyego water project

President William Ruto has commissioned the Kapyego Water Project in Marakwet East Constituency, Elgeyo Marakwet County, in a KSh350 million investment aimed at improving the supply of clean and safe water to local communities.

The project, implemented under the North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency (NRVWWDA), is expected to ease water shortages affecting households and strengthen the delivery of essential services in the area.

The investment covers two phases and is intended to improve water availability for domestic use, including drinking, cooking, cleaning and other daily household activities. Reliable water supplies are also important for schools, health facilities and businesses that depend on consistent access to the resource.

For many rural households, collecting water can take considerable time, particularly where dependable sources are located far from homes. Improved distribution infrastructure could reduce the burden of water collection, allowing residents to devote more time to education, farming, household responsibilities and income-generating activities.

Key infrastructure under Phase I includes the construction of a new intake weir, a nine-kilometre gravity main, four storage tanks and a 22-kilometre distribution network. These facilities are designed to support the collection, conveyance, storage and delivery of water to consumers.

The development comes as the government continues to invest in water infrastructure across the North Rift region, where rural communities require improved services to support household needs and local economic activities.

The North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency is responsible for developing, maintaining and managing national public water works within its area of jurisdiction. Its coverage includes Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot and Turkana counties, serving a region with an estimated population of approximately 3.2 million people.

The agency also provides technical support and capacity-building services to county governments and water service providers to strengthen the management and sustainability of water infrastructure.

In Elgeyo Marakwet, improved water supply can support public health by making it easier for households and institutions to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation. Reliable supplies are particularly important for health centres and schools, where water is required for cleaning, sanitation facilities and routine operations.

Water availability can also contribute to rural economic development. Households and small businesses benefit when dependable supplies reduce the time and resources spent obtaining water, while improved infrastructure can support the stability of communities whose livelihoods depend on agriculture and related activities.

However, the long-term benefits of the Kapyego project will depend on effective operation, regular maintenance and proper management of the facilities. Adequate funding for repairs, monitoring of water distribution and responsible management of the supply system will be important in maintaining service reliability.

The commissioning marks a milestone in efforts to strengthen water infrastructure in Marakwet East. Continued investment in underserved areas will remain important as communities seek reliable supplies to meet domestic needs and support local development.

With the KSh350 million investment, the project is expected to contribute to improved water service delivery and better living conditions for residents, provided the infrastructure is sustained and managed effectively.