Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company (KIWASCO) has launched an elaborate Strategic Plan (2023-2028) to continue providing adequate, clean potable water and to collect, treat, and dispose of sewerage.
Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o said that there was a need to increase the coverage of the number of people connected to clean water and minimise water losses by fixing leakages on time.
“I wish to remind KIWASCO that as an entity of the County Government, they must effectively deliver on their mandate. The provision of clean water and proper management of sewerage comes out very prominently in my manifesto 2023-2027. I vest my hopes on you in achieving this promise to the people,” Nyong’o urged.
He congratulated the water firm for the launch of their 4th Strategic Plan which he emphasized strongly aligns with the County’s interest in water and sanitation service delivery as contained in its County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027.
Nyong’o informed the residents that his administration has robust plans to transform Kisumu into one of the greatest intermediary cities in the world. To achieve this, he advises that there is a need to ensure that there is an excellent water distribution network.
In this way, the County boss pointed out that there will be reduced distances the people will walk to access the nearest water point.
Alluding to the recently launched Second Kenya Informal Settlements Project (KISIP II) which will run for three years, he stressed the County intends to provide good roads, water systems, sewage, drainage, and electricity to the residents.
“As we are waiting to give them good housing, these services must be adequately there to those living in the informal settlements just like we provide in other areas, as they dearly need them,” Nyong’o emphasized during the event which included the commissioning of the new KIWASCO Headquarters building located in Tom Mboya Estate, Kisumu City.
He proudly thanked the Board of Directors and Management of KIWASCO in partnership with the National Bank for ensuring the speedy completion of the new office block become a reality within a record of one year
Nyong’o termed the magnificent building as proof that good planning is the epitome of success and it has enhanced the image of Kisumu as a County that has been on a journey of transformation.
However, he observed that there is still room for improvement as KIWASCO is steadily embracing the latest technologies to improve its services to the people.
Tom Odongo, the Managing Director of KIWASCO reiterated that they will uphold their mission to provide quality water and sanitation services for improved livelihoods.
Since 2003, KIWASCO in its maturity stage (2023) has celebrated major milestones like the water production capacity of 80,000m3 per day, billing of 85 M, transition to ISO 900:2015 in 2018, and Recertification of 9001:2015 in 2022.
Similarly, the construction of the new office building, the launch of the Call Centre, the acquisition of an 8-year operating license, Non-Revenue Water (NRW) averaged 35 percent and accreditation of the calibration laboratory (Meter Test bench) ISO/IEC 17025:2017 are some of their achievements.
It continues to impact the community around it through its three key pillars of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), firstly, the Environment and Climate Action by educating and encouraging children on the need to plant trees.
Secondly, on Ethics, it offers business opportunities through Master operators, Water Kiosks, and Manual Pit Emptiers to the vulnerable in low-income areas.
Thirdly, Education sensitizes and creates school awareness of the environment, water use, hygiene, and sanitation.
The event was graced by the Chief Guest Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga noted that water is life and whoever addresses the problem of water addresses the fundamental lives and the development issue.
“I believe this effort will result in improving people’s health and prosperity through seamless coordination and delivery of critical programs of water, sewage, and sanitation services. I commend the County government for every effort to consolidate and the provision of water and sanitation services which will give newborn babies a chance to survive,” Mr Odinga said.
As of June 2023, KIWASCO boasts a current water network mapped at 731.2 km owing to several infrastructures strategically spread across the Lakeside City.
It has two water treatment plants; Dunga and Kajulu which produce 44,000m3 and 36,000m3 per day respectively, and five reservoir tanks spread across the city for ease of distribution.
In addition, the water company has two sewer treatment plants; Nyalenda Oxidation Ponds with a daily treatment capacity of 18,000m3 and Kisat Sewerage Conventional treatment plant capacity is 8,000m3 per day. This translates to 163.4 km of Sewer network mapped as of June 2023.
Other dignitaries included Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili, Kisumu Central MP Dr. Joshua Oron, Speaker of the County Assembly Elisha Oraro, CEC Member for the Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Ms Mary Agwa among others.
Some of the notable challenges facing KIWASCO are their continued concerted efforts to fight the effects of climate change in Lake Victoria. This ranges from water hyacinth, increased lake levels, pollution, and the recent upwelling of the lake.
For over 20 years, KIWASCO has tremendously managed to reduce its NRW (Water loss) from over 75 percent at inception to an average of 37.4 percent by the end of June 2023.
“The biggest cause of water loss in Kisumu remains the dilapidated networks laid in the 1960s that often lead to bursts and leaks. Another major contributor is the theft of water especially among the affluent,’’ Mr Odongo clarified.
To show its commitment, the firm early in the year created a department to solely deal with NRW. It applauded the introduction of the Water Police Unit by the National Government which will aid in bringing the water thieves to book and deter would-be thieves.
By Rolex Omondi
