By correspondent
Siaya County’s drive to achieve universal access to clean and safe water has entered a new phase with the official site possession for the Ugunja-Ukwala-Sega Last Mile Connectivity Project held at the Siaya-Bondo Water and Sanitation Company (SIBOWASCO) offices in Ugunja.
The project, implemented under the Kenya Towns Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (KTSWSSP), is jointly financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Kenya. It is scheduled for completion in 9 months, on 14th April 2027.
Closing the Final Gap: From Bulk Supply to Household Taps
The last mile works represent the most critical link in a flagship investment chain that began with the KSh1 billion Ugunja-Sega-Ukwala Water Supply and Sanitation Project, commissioned by H.E. President Dr William Ruto on 31st August 2025.
That project established bulk infrastructure designed to produce and supply over 8.4 million litres of treated water daily, serving more than 100,000 people across Ugunja, Sega and Ukwala. Key storage facilities include steel tanks at Nyambiro (300m³), Yenga (300m³), St. Sylvester Anyiko (500m³), Madungu (1,000m³), and a reinforced concrete ground tank at Got Osimbo (1,500m³).
In a unique sustainability feature, the scheme incorporates three hydropower turbines to generate renewable energy, cutting power costs and ensuring uninterrupted water production.
The current phase will now connect residents directly to that bulk system.
Project Scope and Implementation
The contract, signed on 8th July 2026 and awarded to Shaanxi Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Group Co., covers:
- 88.5 km of distribution pipeline – installation, pressure testing and commissioning.
- 1,200 new smart-enabled consumer connections – for accurate billing and water accountability.
- 50 institutional connections – targeting schools, health centres and markets.
- Smart zonal metering system – for leak detection, water loss management and efficient supply monitoring.
The project is being implemented by Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Authority (CRVWWDA) as the Employer, with engineering supervision by Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Authority (LVSWWDA). A 12-month Defects Notification Period will run until 14th April 2028 to guarantee quality.
SIBOWASCO: At the Centre of Service Delivery
A critical partner in the project is Siaya-Bondo Water and Sanitation Company (SIBOWASCO). Upon completion, SIBOWASCO will take over operations and maintenance of the new network.
Its mandate will include customer onboarding, meter management, billing, customer care, and ensuring sustainable water and sanitation services for residents of Ugunja, Ukwala and Sega. The introduction of smart meters is expected to enhance transparency, reduce non-revenue water, and improve response times to faults.
Speaking during the handover, SIBOWASCO Managing Director, Isaiah Adipo, said:
“Our focus is on delivering value for money and improving customer satisfaction. Implementation plans have been designed to prioritise areas where the impact will be greatest, so that residents feel the benefit of this investment immediately.”
County and National Government Commitment
Siaya County Chief Officer for Water and Irrigation, Judith Oyugi, described the project as a strategic investment that complements the County Government’s agenda.
“Water remains one of the most emotive issues affecting our people. While this project targets Ugunja Sub-County directly, its impact will be felt across the county. We must ensure we maximise the reach to solve a significant fraction of our water challenges,” she said.
The project aligns with Governor James Orengo’s development agenda, which prioritises expanded access to clean water as a pillar for public health, economic growth and improved quality of life. The County Government continues to work with the National Government and development partners to increase reliable water services across all six sub-counties.
Impact Expected
Upon completion, the project is projected to:
- Increase household water connections significantly
- Reduce the distance residents, especially women and children, travel to access water
- Support schools, health facilities and businesses with reliable supply
- Unlock opportunities for local economic growth and improved public health
With funding under KTSWSSP scheduled to conclude in December 2026, all partners have committed to timely delivery and close collaboration with community leaders.
The site handover was attended by SIBOWASCO management, technical officers from CRVWWDA and LVSWWDA, County Government officials, and representatives from Shaanxi Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Group Co.
