By Trina Akeyo
A joint regional initiative by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to secure Lake Victoria from pollution and to construct water infrastructure is on a positive progression.
Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eng. Eric Mugo said the regional initiative that was being implemented in Kisumu City was aimed at protecting the lake from pollution and ensuring provision of clean and potable water to the residents.
He said the initiative was also aimed at ensuring the quality of fish from Lake Victoria was high and meets the international standards on safety.
The Government of Kenya (GOK), French Development Agency (AFD), European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Union (EU) have committed to finance the project to Sh 10.2 billion (70 Million Euros).
Key Interventions
• Water Supply: Rehabilitation of Dunga Water Treatment Plant from 23,000m³/day to 45,000m³/day, Construction of 176km of water pipeline and 5 Boreholes in Maseno.
• Reduce Non-Revenue Water from 45% to 28%. Currently the NRW at 35%
• Sanitation: Construction of 4,500m³/day of Wastewater Treatment Plant at Otonglo, 107km of new Sewerage networks and 30No onsite sanitation facilities.
• Developed Water Resources and Wastewater Management Masterplans for the City.
• Training of KIWASCO, County Government and LVSWWDA Staff.
- Progress of the LVWATSAN Program
i. Construction Works Package 1: The works have been contracted to Zhonghao Overseas Construction Limited at a cost of KES 1.2 Billion to construct 33km of Sewer pipelines, 5km of water pipelines, 1,700 sewer connections. The works commenced in December 2022 for a period of 26 months ending in August 2025. Currently the progress is 80% — nearly ready for substantial completion.
ii. Construction Works Package 2 Lot 1: The works include construction of 176km of water distribution network, reservoirs, pump stations within Kisumu City and extension of water pipeline in Maseno town and other Satellite towns at a cost of KES 2.0 Billion. The contract was signed in December 2024. Commencement of works is planned in August 2025 subject to full Advance Payment, Master list and C-ESMP approvals.
iii. Rehabilitation of Dunga Water Treatment Plant and Nyalenda Wastewater Stabilization Ponds (Works Package 2 Lot 2): The project will increase capacity of Intake & Dunga Water Treatment from 23,000m³/day to 45,000m³/day and Nyalenda Ponds capacity from 11,000m³/day to 17,000m³/day at a cost of KES 1.3 Billion. The component is currently under the Design Review stage.
iv. Construction of Otonglo Wastewater System (Works Package 3). The proposed scope comprises construction of Wastewater Treatment Plant at Otonglo (near the Airport) of capacity 4,500m³/day, construction of 107km of Sewer networks and rehabilitation of Kisat Wastewater Treatment Plant at a total cost of KES 1.55 Billion. Stakeholder engagement is ongoing to resolve land issues in parallel with Feasibility Study and Designs.
- Expected benefits
LVWATSAN program will benefit Kisumu City, Maseno and environs by:
• Water Supply Connectivity: additional 25,000 households in Kisumu & Maseno.
• Sewerage Connectivity: additional 1,700 households in Kisumu City.
• Affordable Housing: Connect 4,968 units with Water and Sewerage in Lumumba, Makasembo and proposed LV Marina at Otonglo.
• Financial Sustainability of KIWASCO: reduce Non-Revenue Water to 28%.
• Capacity of the beneficiary Institutions; LVSWWDA, KIWASCO and the County Government for efficient and effective operation of the water and sanitation services.
The project is being implemented by Lake Victoria South Water Works and it will boost KIWASCO service to the residents.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o welcomed the project saying it will help stir the economy of Kisumu and boost the health and other sectors.
Chief Executive Officer of the Agency Ms. Jackline Kemunto said they were committed to delivering on the mandate to provide water infrastructure in the region.
“In accordance with President Ruto’s bottom-up approach and his manifesto, we are committed to ensuring we develop the water infrastructure. We are passionate about service to the community and that is our driving motto,” she said.
