Category: News

Residents of Kamagut Ward in Turbo Sub-County received a major boost on Monday after the county government officially handed over the Shangilia Water Project to the contractor, marking the start of works that will bring clean, safe, and reliable water to the area.

The project is part of a broader county-wide initiative, with more than 60 water projects currently being implemented across Uasin Gishu County in the current financial year.

The county government says the projects are aimed at expanding water infrastructure and improving service delivery for residents.

The Shangilia project will draw water from a borehole and will include the construction of intake works and a distribution network to serve both households and institutions within the area.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, County Engineer Eng. Benadys Chelagat assured residents that the project would be executed to the highest standards.

“We are committed to delivering quality work that will serve the community for years to come,” stated Eng. Chelagat.

Our engineering team will be conducting regular site visits to monitor progress and ensure that the works are carried out according to specifications and within the required timelines,” added Chelagat, who is a water engineer working with the county government.

She oversees local water infrastructure and climate-resilient development projects, such as community spring protections and sub-county water access drives.

Also present at the handover was Kamagut Ward Administrator Mr. Emmanuel Meli, who urged the local community to support the contractor throughout the implementation period.

“I call upon all residents to accord the contractor maximum cooperation to facilitate smooth and timely implementation of this project. This is a development that belongs to the people, and we must all play our part to ensure its success,” said Meli.

Upon completion, the project is expected to benefit Symbayos Kaibeiyo Primary School and the surrounding community, providing a dependable water supply that will improve daily life and support local institutions.

The Shangilia Water Project underscores the county government’s commitment under the Nguzo 7 agenda to fast-track service delivery and actualize the “Mache Biko Beko” campaign, which aims to ensure every resident of Uasin Gishu County has access to clean, safe, and reliable water.

Cherangany Marakwet Water and Sanitation Company (CHEMAWASCO) has appointed Noah Kemboi as its new Managing Director, providing substantive leadership as the utility accelerates expansion of water supply infrastructure and service coverage in Marakwet West and Marakwet East Sub-Counties.

Kemboi assumes office at a time when CHEMAWASCO is recording increased household connectivity and implementing infrastructure investments aimed at enhancing water production, distribution efficiency and access to reliable and safe potable water.

Established in 2017, the utility serves Kapsowar and Kapcherop towns and surrounding areas. The number of households connected to its water supply network has increased from 910 in 2023 to 1,300 currently, reflecting progress under the company’s last-mile connectivity programme.

CHEMAWASCO currently has a daily water production capacity of 21,000 litres, supplying clean and safe domestic water to consumers within its service area.

The growth in network connectivity is part of the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet’s broader programme to increase water supply coverage, strengthen infrastructure and reduce the distance households travel to access potable water.

Director of Water Services Dr Felix Rotich said the county government remains committed to achieving universal access to clean water.

“We are committed to ensuring every household in Elgeyo Marakwet has access to clean water at their doorstep,” said Dr Rotich.

CHEMAWASCO is currently implementing a Sh31 million water infrastructure improvement project financed by the North Rift Water Works Development Agency.

The project is approximately 70 per cent complete and is expected to improve the capacity and efficiency of the water distribution system, enhance service reliability and facilitate additional household connections upon completion.

The county government is also at an advanced planning stage for the Kamoi/Kapterit Water Project in Sengwer Ward, which is expected to further increase water supply coverage in the area.

In addition, the Chebiemit Water Project is scheduled for revival at an estimated investment cost of Sh25 million. The intervention is expected to restore and enhance water supply infrastructure and improve access to potable water for residents within the project area.

The investments form part of ongoing efforts to address water supply gaps through expansion of transmission and distribution infrastructure, increased network connectivity and improved reliability of water services.

The appointment of Kemboi provides substantive executive leadership for CHEMAWASCO as the company implements its water infrastructure development programme.

He takes over from David Kimutai, who had been serving as Acting Managing Director.

The new management is expected to prioritise completion of ongoing capital projects, expansion of the last-mile distribution network, increased household connectivity and improvements in operational and customer service efficiency.

Water and irrigation projects took center stage during a Nyambene Synod joint service at Kiengu Methodist Church in Igembe Central on Sunday, with Water, Irrigation, and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Erick Murithi Mugaa outlining plans to increase water supply in Kiengu and surrounding areas.

Speaking during the service presided over by Presiding Bishop John Maromba, CS Mugaa said the government had started planning for additional water sources to address persistent shortages in Kiengu Sub County.

The CS said Murimi Springs, which currently serves residents, does not have sufficient and reliable water to meet the needs of the growing population, adding the government was considering drilling three boreholes to supplement the springs, with the water being supplied to the existing system.

“We will need about three boreholes so that we inject water into the springs,” Mugaa said, adding that the project would soon be subjected to public participation.

He identified Amaku, Njoune, and Mutuatine as areas that would benefit from additional water infrastructure, including storage tanks, in an effort to increase water availability.

The CS said the government had also set aside Sh20 million for water distribution in Maili Tatu, while repair works at Ura Dam 4 had commenced. He added that sewerage and irrigation projects were also ongoing in the region.

The CS further said the government planned to invest in the Murimi Irrigation Scheme in Kiengu, arguing that enhancing irrigation would help residents move towards year-round farming.

“We will bring development to the villages,” Mugaa said, linking the ongoing projects to the good working relationship between President William Ruto’s administration and Meru leaders.

On irrigation, Igembe Central MP Dan Kiili Karitho, also present, said the Kawiru Water Project would be expanded after the Murimi project is completed.

The legislator said efforts would be made to support miraa farmers by reducing the cost of pumping water for farming.

The leaders further called for greater political unity among the Meru community, with CS Mugaa urging Meru leaders and residents to reassess their political direction, saying the community should consider supporting development-conscious leaders.

He called on Meru residents to judge leaders based on their development record while urging the church to work with leaders in addressing community priorities.

Rev Carol Karea Kaberia said Meru was among the leading counties nationally in the utilization of development funds.

Meanwhile, former Meru Woman Representative Florence Kajuju defended her record on miraa, saying she had been instrumental in introducing the crop farmers’ interests into the political agenda.

Kajuju expressed concern over declining miraa prices and the loss of affirmative action funds, urging residents to give her another opportunity to address what she termed existing challenges.

The leaders said public participation on the proposed water projects in Kiengu would be undertaken in the coming weeks as the government moves to finalize plans on how to improve water supply in the area.