Mwala water project to ease shortages in Machakos

The Sh1.47 billion Mwala Cluster Water Supply Project has been commissioned in Mbiuni, Machakos County, in a move aimed at addressing decades of water scarcity and improving access to reliable water supplies for households, institutions and businesses across the region.

President William Ruto presided over the commissioning of the project, which is designed to benefit approximately 137,000 people and 10 institutions across about 10 centres in the water-stressed area.

The investment features a comprehensive water supply system comprising an intake weir across River Ndarugu, a treatment plant with a capacity of 6.6 million litres daily, a 101-kilometre conveyance system, seven storage tanks and a solar-powered booster station.

The storage tanks have a combined capacity of 3.325 million litres, providing facilities for holding treated water before distribution to the targeted communities. The solar-powered booster station will help pump water to the Muthei Hill tank, supporting supply to areas that require additional pumping to maintain distribution.

The project is expected to improve the availability of clean water while supporting the growth of urban centres, creating economic opportunities and strengthening public health in Mwala and surrounding areas.

A government official who accompanied the President during the commissioning said the project was intended to address longstanding water shortages while supporting the development of local communities.

The 101-kilometre conveyance system will transport water from the source towards designated supply areas, while the seven storage tanks will help regulate distribution and maintain supplies as demand changes. The treatment plant will process raw water before it enters the distribution network, ensuring that the system can deliver treated water to its intended beneficiaries.

The combination of storage infrastructure and a solar-powered booster station is expected to improve the movement of water through the network, including towards elevated areas such as Muthei Hill.

Once fully operational, the system is expected to serve approximately 137,000 residents and 10 institutions across about 10 centres. Reliable water supplies could ease the burden on families who have traditionally depended on distant or inconsistent sources.

Improved access to treated water is also expected to benefit schools, healthcare facilities and other institutions that require adequate supplies for sanitation, hygiene and everyday operations. More reliable water services could help improve living conditions while reducing disruptions caused by shortages.

Beyond meeting household needs, the project is expected to support economic activity by improving the conditions necessary for businesses and growing settlements to expand. More dependable water supplies can help small enterprises operate consistently while supporting hygiene in public facilities and commercial establishments.

The investment also aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which seeks to expand access to essential services and strengthen economic opportunities at the community level.

For residents, the project’s long-term value will depend on consistent operation, effective maintenance, affordable connections and the ability of the distribution network to meet demand as the population grows.

The commissioning forms part of wider efforts to improve water infrastructure in Kenya’s Lower Eastern region, where water scarcity has remained a persistent challenge for households, farmers and livestock keepers.

With its intake infrastructure, treatment plant, extensive pipeline network and storage facilities, the Mwala Cluster Water Supply Project is expected to strengthen water security and provide a foundation for further social and economic development in Machakos County.