Kirinyaga County allocates Ksh.100 million to expand bulk water supply in Mwea

The funds will support the extension of the Kutus–Kimbimbi bulk water main pipeline and feeder lines to Gathigiriri, Tebere, and Thiba wards. Governor Anne Waiguru said the investment is intended to ease reliance on unsafe water sources and curb related illnesses.

“Mwea has been lagging behind in water coverage, both for domestic use and irrigation. This is why we are investing significant resources to ensure piped water reaches all residents,” Waiguru said during her State of the County Address at the Kirinyaga County Assembly.

Mutithi and Wamumu wards will be supplied through the extension of the Kandongu–Mutithi pipeline, while rehabilitation of the Nyamindi intake will serve Nyangati and parts of Gathigiriri and Tebere. Kangai Ward will benefit from expanded lines covering Kombuini, Kangai, and Karii. Murinduko Ward will be supplied upon completion of the Mugaro water project.

The Governor said the County is also funding 33 water projects, including boreholes and intake construction, at KSh44.8 million, raising clean water access to 78 percent.

She noted that through both direct investment and community collaborations, the County has implemented over 200 new water projects since 2017, increasing active projects from 170 to 370 and expanding safe water access to more than 100,000 households.

“Our investments have nearly doubled household connections from 67,790 in 2017 to 139,596 today,” she said, adding that improved supply has enhanced hygiene, reduced waterborne diseases, boosted small-scale irrigation, and supported growth of cottage industries.

Waiguru also highlighted progress in reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which has fallen from 59 per cent to 47 per cent under ongoing reforms at the Kirinyaga County Water and Sanitation Company (KICOWASCO).

Installation of a master meter at the Muratiri Water Treatment Plant, along with 27 electro-magnetic zonal meters and District Metering Area systems, has tightened monitoring and curbed leakages and illegal connections.

“These reforms have enhanced accountability and improved our operational efficiency. We are targeting to reduce water losses to below 35 per cent by next year,” she said.