Taita Taveta seeks new water sources to ease shortages

Taita Taveta County is seeking to expand its water supply infrastructure through the development of additional water sources to reduce dependence on the Mzima Springs system and meet growing demand from households, businesses and emerging urban centres.

The National Government has pledged technical support and resource mobilisation for proposed water projects following consultations between Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir, county government officials, Tavevo Water and Sewerage Company and representatives of Kishushe Ranching Cooperative Society.

The discussions focused on identifying sustainable water sources that can complement the existing Mzima Springs supply system, which serves Voi and several other centres in Taita Taveta as well as parts of the Coast region.

Korir committed to deploying engineers and technical experts from the Ministry to work with the county government in conducting feasibility studies and preparing engineering designs for the proposed interventions. The studies will help establish the viability of potential water sources, infrastructure requirements and the investments needed before implementation.

The engagement comes amid increasing pressure on existing water infrastructure as population growth, urban expansion and economic activities raise demand for reliable supplies across the county.

Mzima Springs remains a major source of water for Taita Taveta, particularly Voi and settlements along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway. However, reliance on the system has exposed communities to supply constraints whenever production declines or available water cannot meet demand across the distribution network.

In October 2026, reduced output from Mzima Springs prompted water rationing in Voi, Maungu and Mackinnon Road, with the bulk water supplier introducing rotational distribution to manage the available supply. The situation demonstrated the need to diversify water sources and strengthen the county’s capacity to meet demand during periods of reduced production.

The county has several other water resources that could contribute to improving supply if properly developed. These include Njoro Kubwa Springs, boreholes, shallow wells, rivers, dams and water pans. Njoro Kubwa Springs, located near Taveta town, is particularly important because it provides an alternative source that could support water supply expansion beyond the existing Mzima system.

A 2026 assessment by the National Drought Management Authority identified piped water and boreholes as major water sources in the county, accounting for 27 per cent and 26 per cent respectively. Shallow wells contributed 15 per cent, while water pans and dams accounted for 11 per cent. The assessment also identified operational challenges affecting some existing boreholes, including pump failures, low groundwater recharge and poor water quality.

These challenges underline the importance of investing in both new water sources and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure. Expanding groundwater development, improving water storage and strengthening distribution networks could help reduce pressure on the main supply system while extending services to underserved rural communities.

The proposed interventions also come as the Government advances plans to expand the Mzima Springs water supply infrastructure through the proposed Mzima II project. The project involves a 220-kilometre transmission pipeline designed to transport up to 105,000 cubic metres of water daily from Mzima Springs to Mazeras storage facilities.

The proposed system is intended to serve Taita Taveta, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties, improving bulk water availability across the Coast region. Its development is being pursued through a public-private partnership arrangement.

The expansion of water infrastructure is also gaining national attention, with President William Ruto announcing plans to mobilise KSh30 billion for the expansion of the Mzima Springs water project. The proposed investment is expected to improve supplies to Voi, Mwatate and Taveta while also serving Mombasa.

Beyond household consumption, improved water availability could support agriculture, livestock production and industrial activities in Taita Taveta. The county has significant agricultural potential, particularly in Taveta and areas around the Taita Hills, where reliable irrigation can help farmers sustain production and reduce dependence on seasonal rainfall.

Water infrastructure development could also support commercial activities in emerging urban centres and ranching areas, where reliable supplies are necessary for livestock production and business operations.

The involvement of Kishushe Ranching Cooperative Society in the consultations highlights the importance of incorporating the needs of agricultural and livestock-producing communities into future water planning.

The proposed feasibility studies will therefore be important in determining how different water sources can be developed and connected to existing distribution systems to improve coverage across the county.

For Taita Taveta, diversifying water sources is increasingly important as demand grows and climate variability places pressure on conventional supplies. The success of the proposed interventions will depend on securing adequate financing, developing technically viable projects and ensuring sustainable management of available water resources.

The Government’s engagement with the county and local water institutions marks a step towards addressing the supply deficit and building a more reliable water system capable of supporting households and economic development across Taita Taveta.