Western Kenya Sanitation Project (WKSP) through funding from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has injected Sh2.8 billion to address sanitation challenges in eight counties in Western Kenya including Busia.
Addressing the press during USAID/WKSP Busia County inception meeting at Hotel Breeze in Busia town, WKSP Deputy Chief of Party Roselyne Okwiri said the five-year project that ends in February 2027 was also being implemented in Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Homabay and Kisii.
“We intend to work with counties to enhance a sustainable and equitable access to sanitation targeting 500,000 people across the counties, including women and the youth,” Okwiri said.
“In line with the Government’s goal of achieving Open Defecation Free status by 2030 as well as establishing policies on environmental sanitation, hygiene and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), the National Government has set frameworks for county governments to legislate and invest in sanitation and MHM” she added.
Technical Manager Infrastructure Development at Lake Victoria Water Works Development Authority, Eng. Jared Okungu described the project as ambitious and assured of the Authority’s unwavering support.
He revealed that the Sh759million Malaba Water project that would pump 6,000 cubic metres of water per day is due for completion in September, while the Sh306m sanitation project is 90 per cent complete with construction of treatment plant, sewer pond and installation of sewer lines also complete.
Busia County Chief Officer, Sports, Culture and Social Services Joe Maurice Odundo who represented the County Government at the workshop lauded USAID on behalf of Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong for including Busia among the recipients of the project.
“I urge County residents to embrace the Sanitation and Menstrual Hygiene Management Project, the county government will give its unwavering support,” he said.
In response to questions from participants, Busia County Director Water and Sewerage, James Imwene said the department is addressing the water shortage at Port Victoria Hospital that includes replacing the dysfunctional pump and installation of a 50 cubic metres tank at the health facility.
The Director said the department has so far drilled 26 boreholes for 12 Members of the County Assembly who contributed towards purchase of a drilling rig with 15 more to be drilled before it is rolled out to those willing to hire it.
Busia Water and Sewerage Services Company (BUWASSCO) Managing Director, Eng. Erick Ojiambo Nakitari said their priority is rehabilitation of sewers to increase connectivity in Busia town and last mile connectivity in Busia and Malaba.
By Salome Alwanda
