Ithanga water project advances to boost supply in Murang’a

The Ithanga Water Supply Project is 70 per cent complete, marking progress towards improving water availability for households and farmers in Murang’a County, where communities in the semi-arid areas of lower Gatanga have long faced persistent water shortages.

Implemented by the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA), the project was commissioned by President William Ruto on February 15, 2024, as part of government efforts to expand water infrastructure and improve livelihoods in underserved communities.

According to information published on AWWDA’s official website, the project has reached 70 per cent completion, with an estimated cost of approximately Sh4.9 billion. Once completed, the scheme is expected to strengthen water distribution and improve the reliability of supplies to residents in Ithanga and neighbouring areas.

The project involves the development of a water intake, raw-water transmission pipelines, a treatment plant with a capacity of six million litres per day, pumping stations, storage facilities and distribution networks. The infrastructure is designed to facilitate the treatment and delivery of water to households and other consumers within the project area.

The scheme targets thousands of households in Ithanga and Kakuzi-Mitubiri wards, with broader project information indicating a potential reach of more than 20,000 households. Reports published in February 2025 indicated that approximately 2,000 households had received water through last-mile connections, with further connections planned to extend coverage.

For years, residents in lower Gatanga have experienced difficulties accessing sufficient water, particularly during prolonged dry spells. Some households have depended on distant water sources to meet their daily needs, while farmers have struggled to sustain crop production because of unreliable rainfall and limited water for irrigation.

The project is expected to reduce the distance residents travel to collect water, improve sanitation and hygiene, and provide a more dependable supply to homes, schools and other public institutions. Reliable water services could also ease the burden on families who spend considerable time searching for water, allowing them to focus on education, farming and other income-generating activities.

Agriculture is another key area expected to benefit from the development. Improved water availability could support irrigation where distribution infrastructure permits, help farmers diversify their activities and strengthen food security in communities vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions.

However, achieving these benefits will depend on completing the remaining construction works, expanding household connections and maintaining the infrastructure after commissioning. Proper management of water distribution systems and protection of water sources will also be essential to ensuring a sustainable supply.

The Ithanga Water Supply Project forms part of broader efforts to address water scarcity and strengthen resilience in drought-prone areas. Its successful completion is expected to improve access to essential services while creating better conditions for economic activity and community development in Murang’a County.