By Anderson Ojwang
A major milestone for the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) unfolded after it was presented with the bulk water licence for the Itare–Litein Bulk Water Scheme.
The achievement was particularly significant as the Agency became the third Water Works Development Agency to receive the bulk water licence, marking an important development in the country’s evolving bulk water supply framework.
The licence certificate was officially handed over by the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eng. Mugaa Murithi Eric, to the Agency’s Board Chairman, Mr Dan Omino, OGW, and CEO, Ms Jackline Kemunto, during the Agency’s Annual Stakeholders Forum.
The licensing milestone was expected to strengthen the Agency’s institutional capacity and provide an important regulatory foundation for advancing bulk water supply initiatives under its mandate.
The Itare–Litein Bulk Water Scheme was an important component of efforts to improve water infrastructure, enhance supply reliability and expand access to water services.
The stakeholders’ forum brought together water sector stakeholders to reflect on achievements, emerging challenges and opportunities for collaboration towards sustainable water and sanitation services.
For Lake Victoria South, receiving the licence represents a significant institutional achievement and another important chapter in its contribution to Kenya’s water security agenda.
Challenge
The CS has challenged water sector institutions to translate policy reforms, regulatory frameworks and strategic plans into tangible results for communities.
He said the handover of bulk water service provision for the Litein and Itare water systems was an important development and challenged the responsible institutions to effectively manage, operate and maintain the facilities.
“Let the water sector managers embrace creativity and innovation while ensuring that all operational and financial cost components are adequately catered for to guarantee the sustainability of water systems,” he said.
Mugaa emphasised the importance of supporting policy formulation, regulation and effective implementation to accelerate water and sanitation development.
He highlighted the significance of the amendments to the Water Act introduced in 2024, particularly Amendment No. 13, which opened new opportunities for water works development agencies to operate as bulk water service providers while creating room for private capital investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Eng. Mugaa said the reforms had expanded opportunities for investment, innovation and improved management of water infrastructure.
Eng. Mugaa also commended the mobilisation of funding from different capital providers, noting the importance of diversified financing in accelerating infrastructure development. He referenced President William Ruto’s commissioning of the first phase of sanitation works at Nyamasaria as an example of ongoing investment in the sector.
He challenged the LVSWWDA Chief Executive Officer and the management team to move into an implementation-focused phase, translating strategies into measurable achievements in water supply and sanitation programmes. He further singled out Kisumu County for its performance in revenue collection, highlighting the importance of financial sustainability in water service delivery.
Recognition
The forum recognised the leadership of LVSWWDA, with the Agency’s Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jackline Kemunto, receiving a standing ovation from participants in appreciation of their work. His address reinforced a central message from the forum: the water sector must now move beyond policy discussions and embrace innovation, investment, accountability and practical action to deliver sustainable water and sanitation services.
WATER QUALITY
Engineer Arsene Mukubwa, Programmes Coordinator at the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), based in Tanzania, emphasised the importance of safeguarding Lake Victoria’s water quality while promoting the sustainable utilisation of the lake’s resources for the benefit of surrounding communities.
In his remarks, Eng. Mukubwa highlighted the need for stronger environmental protection measures, responsible use of the lake’s water resources and improved support systems for people whose livelihoods depend on Lake Victoria.
He underscored the importance of regional cooperation, noting that protecting the lake requires coordinated efforts among institutions, governments and communities across the Lake Victoria Basin.
His contribution brought an important regional perspective to the discussions, particularly on the relationship between water quality, environmental sustainability, public health and the livelihoods of communities living around the lake.
Partnership
Kisumu County Government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) to strengthen water infrastructure and improve access to reliable water services.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Ms Judith Oluoch, reiterated the county government’s commitment to maintaining a strong working relationship with LVSWWDA, emphasising the importance of collaboration in addressing water challenges and improving service delivery to residents.
She underscored the need for coordinated efforts between the county government and the national water agency to expand water infrastructure, strengthen existing systems and ensure communities have access to sustainable and reliable water supplies.
She highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing the region’s water development agenda, particularly as counties continue to respond to the growing demand for water among households, institutions and businesses.
COMMITMENT
Kericho Governor Dr Eric Kipkoech Mutai reiterated the importance of strengthening water services to meet the growing needs of residents in Kericho County and other counties served by the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA).
Speaking during a stakeholders’ forum hosted by the Agency, Governor Mutai appreciated LVSWWDA for its continued efforts in supporting communities around the Lake Victoria region through water infrastructure development and improved access to reliable water services.
The Governor emphasised the importance of sustainable water provision, noting that access to adequate and reliable water remains essential for households, institutions, businesses and the overall development of communities.
He also recognised the Agency’s role in coordinating water development initiatives across the counties under its jurisdiction, calling for continued collaboration between national government institutions, county governments and other stakeholders.
The forum was also attended by Eng. Mugaa Murithi Eric, who joined other sector stakeholders in discussions on water service delivery and development priorities.
