Day: September 18, 2024

Farmers in Siaya and Busia counties are smiling all the way to the bank following the introduction of technologies to cushion them against the effects of climate change.

This comes after a study conducted by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) which identified the two counties as the most vulnerable to climate change in the lake basin.

According to Siaya County Director of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources Mr. Gabriel Ogot, three groups in the area have benefited from the programme where they have deployed different farming technologies to build resilience and eke a living amidst changing weather patterns.

Ogot said through support from United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Adaptation Fund, Weseso Women Group which is one of the beneficiaries has ventured into soya beans farming using solar powered irrigation.

He said through the use of a solar wheelbarrow which is locally fabricated, the group has rolled out commercial soya beans farming which is slowly transforming their l
ives.

He said that during the pilot, the farmers produced soya beans worth Sh970,000 and the earnings were set to grow tenfold with the expansion of land under the crop.

To maximise earnings, the farmers have ventured into value addition where they use soya beans flour to make chapati and mandazi, Ogot noted.

He said in Bondo Sub- County, the solar wheelbarrows have transformed the nutritional needs of the community through supporting the production of traditional African green-leaf vegetables.

Seven solar wheelbarrows have been deployed in the area, with a group named Dala Rieko spearheading the use of the technology in the area, he said.

‘The community learnt this technology from a tourist who visited this area and encouraged them to make use of solar to pump water from Lake Victoria for Irrigation,’ Ogot said.

Through capacity building and training by LVBC through the Adapting to Climate Change in Lake Victoria Basin (ACC-LVB) project, the farmers are now able to fabricated the solar wheelbarrow for
irrigation in the area.

This, he said, was now supporting communities on the shores of Lake Victoria to diversify crop production to meet their nutritional needs.

Another beneficiary, Pambazuko women group, has ventured into poultry farming through use of solar energy.

The group has installed 10 solar powered hatcheries with a capacity of 450 eggs.

The intervention has come in handy to expand poultry farming with farmers who were struggling now reaping the benefits.

‘The group is receiving eggs from Kisumu and other neighbouring counties where they charge Sh30 per egg to hatch,’ he said.

In Busia County, the project supported apiary development, solar water drilling and nursery development.

The Director of Climate Change Dan Opilio said 42 farmers have been enlisted in a bee keeping programme and that so far, 80 beehives have been installed with the farmers realizing 15kgs of honey during the first harvest.

The farmers at Odiado in Funyula, target to upscale the bee hives having seen the benefits with
one kilogramme of honey going at Sh1,000.

Adapting to Climate Change in Lake Victoria Basin (ACC-LVB) project was developed to increase climate resilience in the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) through implementation of both regional and community-based climate change adaptation interventions and technologies.

The regional project is executed by Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) and implemented by five EAC partner states (Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya).

The project is financed by Adaptation Fund through UN Environment (UNEP) and has overall objective of reducing vulnerability to the negative effects of climate change in the Lake Victoria Basin.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kenya Power has launched the Kenya Power Foundation which marks a significant milestone towards the company’s commitment to undertaking sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across the country.

The Foundation’s mandate aligns with the Government’s agenda to uplift communities, transform lives and empower generations, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that ensure its social contribution makes a positive impact in society.

The company has committed to injecting one percent of its after-tax profit every year as seed capital. The Foundation will also leverage on partnerships and donations to boost its financial capacity to undertake social impact initiatives.

The Foundation will coordinate all the Company’s Social Responsibility initiatives to widen their reach and impact on communities, mainly focusing on Energy and Environment, Education and Skills Development, and Social Investment and Community Wellness.

‘We recognize that as a business, our success is li
nked to the well-being of the communities we serve. The Foundation will allow us to consolidate and scale the impact of our corporate social initiatives, ensuring that we empower people and create long-term social value,’ said Kenya Power’s Managing Director and CEO Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror.

Siror stated that in the last 10 years, Kenya Power has awarded over 30 full scholarships to bright but needy students from various communities.

The CEO added that the Company has also contributed to the building and equipping of more than 60 schools to enhance learning environments.

Further, he highlighted that the Company has planted over 600,000 trees, renovated various sports fields, and supported numerous sporting activities, among other initiatives as part of its social responsibility projects.

Speaking during the launch, Kenya Power Foundation’s Patron Logan Hambrick noted that the Foundation will provide the critical link between Kenya Power’s business and social impact across all the communities that the Com
pany serves.

This Foundation, according to the Patron, is a testament to the transformative role that corporations can play in uplifting communities.

‘We aim to operate with the belief that every Kenyan, regardless of gender, disability, or background, deserves an equal opportunity to benefit from our programs. As we launch this foundation, we would like to commit that our initiatives will be sustainable, scalable, and designed to uplift the communities we serve, further empowering them to become self-reliant,’ she reiterated.

Concurrently, Kenya Power Board of Directors Chairperson Joy Brenda Masinde said that the Foundation is born from the Company’s commitment to improve lives and drive change in education, community wellness, access to clean energy, and its relationship with the environment

‘Drawing from the many lessons that we have learned along the way, we look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to implement innovative initiatives that better address the challenges facing our communitie
s,’ Masinde said.

The Chairperson called on all stakeholders to partner with the Foundation to make it impactful and sustainable.

‘We welcome all our stakeholders to partner with us to make this initiative impactful and sustainable. By working hand in hand, we can build a more sustainable future for all,’ she urged.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kenya Power has launched the Kenya Power Foundation which marks a significant milestone towards the company’s commitment to undertaking sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across the country.

The Foundation’s mandate aligns with the Government’s agenda to uplift communities, transform lives and empower generations, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that ensure its social contribution makes a positive impact in society.

The company has committed to injecting one percent of its after-tax profit every year as seed capital. The Foundation will also leverage on partnerships and donations to boost its financial capacity to undertake social impact initiatives.

The Foundation will coordinate all the Company’s Social Responsibility initiatives to widen their reach and impact on communities, mainly focusing on Energy and Environment, Education and Skills Development, and Social Investment and Community Wellness.

‘We recognize that as a business, our success is li
nked to the well-being of the communities we serve. The Foundation will allow us to consolidate and scale the impact of our corporate social initiatives, ensuring that we empower people and create long-term social value,’ said Kenya Power’s Managing Director and CEO Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror.

Siror stated that in the last 10 years, Kenya Power has awarded over 30 full scholarships to bright but needy students from various communities.

The CEO added that the Company has also contributed to the building and equipping of more than 60 schools to enhance learning environments.

Further, he highlighted that the Company has planted over 600,000 trees, renovated various sports fields, and supported numerous sporting activities, among other initiatives as part of its social responsibility projects.

Speaking during the launch, Kenya Power Foundation’s Patron Logan Hambrick noted that the Foundation will provide the critical link between Kenya Power’s business and social impact across all the communities that the Com
pany serves.

This Foundation, according to the Patron, is a testament to the transformative role that corporations can play in uplifting communities.

‘We aim to operate with the belief that every Kenyan, regardless of gender, disability, or background, deserves an equal opportunity to benefit from our programs. As we launch this foundation, we would like to commit that our initiatives will be sustainable, scalable, and designed to uplift the communities we serve, further empowering them to become self-reliant,’ she reiterated.

Concurrently, Kenya Power Board of Directors Chairperson Joy Brenda Masinde said that the Foundation is born from the Company’s commitment to improve lives and drive change in education, community wellness, access to clean energy, and its relationship with the environment

‘Drawing from the many lessons that we have learned along the way, we look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to implement innovative initiatives that better address the challenges facing our communitie
s,’ Masinde said.

The Chairperson called on all stakeholders to partner with the Foundation to make it impactful and sustainable.

‘We welcome all our stakeholders to partner with us to make this initiative impactful and sustainable. By working hand in hand, we can build a more sustainable future for all,’ she urged.

Source: Kenya News Agency

About 40 percent of villages in Narok County have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), according to data from the Public Health Office.

Narok County Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) coordinator John Omondi said 1214 villages out of 3023 had functional toilets and hand washing facilities nearby.

Omondi said this was a big improvement as some few years ago, over 90 percent of the population were defecating in the open hence exposing the residents to communicable diseases.

The officer attributed the improvement to collaboration between the public health workers and community health promoters who moved house to house sensitizing people on the need to dig a pit latrine and install a hand washing facility at their homes.

He spoke during a field visit in Siyiapei area in Narok Central Sub County where he led a team from his office to several homesteads to confirm if there was a functional toilet.

‘We came to confirm if this village is open defecation free. We have visited several homesteads and found
a pit latrine, with a cover and handwashing facility. This is what we want in all our villages,’ he said.

Narok County Director of Health Dr. Francis Kiio who accompanied the public health officers confirmed that over 80 per cent of diseases treated in health facilities around the county were caused by poor sanitation.

Dr. Kiio encouraged all the residents to ensure personal hygiene by washing hands with water and soap regularly so as to avert communicable diseases like diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, vomiting, flu among others.

Narok county is among the 15 counties in the country that have low toilet coverage with Narok West and Narok South sub counties leading in poor toilet coverage. Which makes it a high-risk area for the spread of communicable diseases.

‘We should put more effort into the two sub-counties that are dragging behind by sensitizing them to the need to build a toilet in their homesteads,’ said the Dr. Kiio.

Source: Kenya News Agency

About 40 percent of villages in Narok County have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), according to data from the Public Health Office.

Narok County Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) coordinator John Omondi said 1214 villages out of 3023 had functional toilets and hand washing facilities nearby.

Omondi said this was a big improvement as some few years ago, over 90 percent of the population were defecating in the open hence exposing the residents to communicable diseases.

The officer attributed the improvement to collaboration between the public health workers and community health promoters who moved house to house sensitizing people on the need to dig a pit latrine and install a hand washing facility at their homes.

He spoke during a field visit in Siyiapei area in Narok Central Sub County where he led a team from his office to several homesteads to confirm if there was a functional toilet.

‘We came to confirm if this village is open defecation free. We have visited several homesteads and found
a pit latrine, with a cover and handwashing facility. This is what we want in all our villages,’ he said.

Narok County Director of Health Dr. Francis Kiio who accompanied the public health officers confirmed that over 80 per cent of diseases treated in health facilities around the county were caused by poor sanitation.

Dr. Kiio encouraged all the residents to ensure personal hygiene by washing hands with water and soap regularly so as to avert communicable diseases like diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, vomiting, flu among others.

Narok county is among the 15 counties in the country that have low toilet coverage with Narok West and Narok South sub counties leading in poor toilet coverage. Which makes it a high-risk area for the spread of communicable diseases.

‘We should put more effort into the two sub-counties that are dragging behind by sensitizing them to the need to build a toilet in their homesteads,’ said the Dr. Kiio.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The national government’s road infrastructure network upgrade in Kericho County continues to take shape with the upgrading of various roads into bitumen standards.

The initiative is expected to revolutionize transport and economic activities in the South Rift Region.

The mega road projects include the upgrade of the 13-kilometer Sondu Sosiot Kapsoit Road at a cost of Sh580,595, 871 million began in January 2023 and expected to be completed by June 2025.

According to the Kericho County Commissioner Mr. Gilbert Kitiyo, the government has injected Sh905,857,473 to upgrade the Kapsuser Kipsolu road which was launched by President William Ruto earlier this year and was expected to be completed by December 2025.

The County Commissioner confirmed that the contractor and engineers were on site and the project was at 20 percent completion.

Kitiyo further said that the Kericho Interchange project which connects Kisumu to Nakuru through Kericho, started in November 2020 and was completed in January 2023, an invest
ment that cost the national government Sh1,388,321,424 billion.

‘The Kericho Interchange was completed and has significantly impacted road users by improving traffic flow and connectivity in Kericho,’ added Kitiyo.

Additionally, the CC also confirmed that the 9.46 Kilometres Stadium roads project, that were started last year ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations at a cost of Sh478,545,878 million, was completed and is currently in use.

The County Commissioner said the ongoing road infrastructure projects in Kericho County have employed numerous skilled and unskilled labourers from the local community, contributing to job creation and economic growth.

Meanwhile, a site Civil engineer at the Kapsuser-Kipsolu Road and Kasuser Sosiot Road Masika Kennedy cited frequent heavy rains in the county as the major challenge they grappled with but assured that the project was still on track with the help of Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) personnel whose role is development, rehabilitation, maintenance and manage
ment of rural roads in the country.

Residents who spoke to KNA expressed enthusiasm and high hopes that the new road networks would improve transportation efficiency and drive regional economic growth.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The national government’s road infrastructure network upgrade in Kericho County continues to take shape with the upgrading of various roads into bitumen standards.

The initiative is expected to revolutionize transport and economic activities in the South Rift Region.

The mega road projects include the upgrade of the 13-kilometer Sondu Sosiot Kapsoit Road at a cost of Sh580,595, 871 million began in January 2023 and expected to be completed by June 2025.

According to the Kericho County Commissioner Mr. Gilbert Kitiyo, the government has injected Sh905,857,473 to upgrade the Kapsuser Kipsolu road which was launched by President William Ruto earlier this year and was expected to be completed by December 2025.

The County Commissioner confirmed that the contractor and engineers were on site and the project was at 20 percent completion.

Kitiyo further said that the Kericho Interchange project which connects Kisumu to Nakuru through Kericho, started in November 2020 and was completed in January 2023, an invest
ment that cost the national government Sh1,388,321,424 billion.

‘The Kericho Interchange was completed and has significantly impacted road users by improving traffic flow and connectivity in Kericho,’ added Kitiyo.

Additionally, the CC also confirmed that the 9.46 Kilometres Stadium roads project, that were started last year ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations at a cost of Sh478,545,878 million, was completed and is currently in use.

The County Commissioner said the ongoing road infrastructure projects in Kericho County have employed numerous skilled and unskilled labourers from the local community, contributing to job creation and economic growth.

Meanwhile, a site Civil engineer at the Kapsuser-Kipsolu Road and Kasuser Sosiot Road Masika Kennedy cited frequent heavy rains in the county as the major challenge they grappled with but assured that the project was still on track with the help of Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) personnel whose role is development, rehabilitation, maintenance and manage
ment of rural roads in the country.

Residents who spoke to KNA expressed enthusiasm and high hopes that the new road networks would improve transportation efficiency and drive regional economic growth.

Source: Kenya News Agency

In a significant move towards environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration, a comprehensive tree planting exercise was held at Nyanturago Swamp in Kisii County, led by Senior Deputy Secretary (SDS)-Administration at the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Hezron Nyamberi.

The event forms part of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy’s larger commitment to plant 10 million trees this year, with a target of 5 million trees in Kisii County and an additional 5 million in Nandi County.

The Ministry’s tree planting efforts in Kisii are part of a broader environmental conservation agenda aimed at addressing land degradation and restoring critical ecological zones. Nyanturago Swamp, a government reserve previously utilized by local communities for cattle grazing, has been identified as a key focus area due to its strategic importance in the region’s environmental balance.

However, the success of the program hinges on the community involvement and commitm
ent to nurturing the seedlings once they are planted, a point that Nyamberi underscored in his address.

Nyamberi expressed the government’s deep concern over the pilferage that has plagued previous tree planting efforts in Nyanturago.

He said that during the four prior planting sessions conducted by the Ministry and its partners, many seedlings had been uprooted by locals, severely hindering the progress that could have been achieved. He stressed that this was the fifth such event in the area, and urged the community to take ownership of the trees and ensure their survival.

‘We cannot continue like this. The government, alongside its partners, has invested enormous resources, both financial and human, to ensure that Nyanturago Swamp is restored to its natural state. The benefits of this project will not only be felt by the environment but also by you, the people who live here. It is your responsibility to protect these seedlings, to nurture them, and to help them grow into the trees that will secure your f
uture,’ said the SDS.

Nyamberi urged residents to understand that their actions, whether positive or negative, have a direct impact on the environment and their livelihoods.

‘The consequences of tampering with the environment are severe, and they do not choose who to affect. Whether you are rich or poor, the environment will respond to how we treat it. If we continue to destroy it, it will destroy us in return. But if we take care of it, it will take care of us and our future generations,’ he said.

The Administrator made it clear that the government could only do so much in terms of policy, funding, and mobilization. The true success of the initiative depends on the active participation and goodwill of the local communities. He reminded residents that their actions today would determine the quality of life for their children and grandchildren.

‘Once these seedlings grow into mature trees, they will improve your lives in ways you might not even realize now. They will provide shade, clean air, water retenti
on, and even the opportunity for economic activities like beekeeping. It is your duty, as the people who stand to benefit most from this project, to protect these trees and ensure their survival,’ he added.

To reinforce this message, Nyamberi announced that the Ministry, together with local leaders, the county government, and the National Government Administrative Office (NGAO), would establish a committee to investigate the reasons behind the uprooting of seedlings and to devise sustainable solutions.

Kisii County Forest Conservator Safari Opiyo also addressed the gathering, reiterating the importance of the tree planting exercise and calling on residents to embrace environmental stewardship. In a poignant reminder, Mr. Opiyo spoke about the spiritual and moral responsibility of protecting God’s creation, urging locals to see tree planting as an act of faith and duty.

‘God created trees with a purpose. They are part of His design for the earth, to sustain life, and to provide for all His creations. When w
e destroy trees, we are going against His intention. We must respect and care for what God has given us, not destroy it,’ Mr. Opiyo said.

He explained that tree seedlings take years to grow in nurseries before they can be transplanted, underscoring the time and effort invested in their production.

‘This is not just about planting a tree. It’s about ensuring that it grows into something that will serve us all. The process takes time and patience, and every time a seedling is uprooted, it’s not just money that is wasted, but also years of work and preparation,’ he added.

The Forest Conservator urged the community to take advantage of the current rainy season to plant more trees, both at Nyanturago and in their homesteads. He emphasized that trees are a renewable resource that, if properly cared for, can provide a wide range of benefits, from improving soil fertility to mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Nyaribari Chache Sub- County Administrator Erick Osoro weighed in on the issue of seedling theft c
alling for stricter enforcement measures to prevent future destruction of seedlings. He encouraged the community to report any incidents of vandalism, noting that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.

‘Seedling theft not only sets us back in terms of progress, but it also wastes resources that could have been used to develop other areas. We need to come together as a community and stop this practice. Those caught vandalizing the trees should face legal consequences,’ said Mr. Osoro.

He introduced the idea of promoting eco-friendly economic activities, such as beekeeping, which can thrive in the presence of healthy forests. By supporting such ventures, the community can generate income while simultaneously contributing to the conservation of the environment.

Other officials present at the event were, National Youth Chairperson Cedrick Otieno, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) regional coordinator for Western and Nyanza Teddy Evans, Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner Maina Ngunyi, Samet
a Deputy County Commissioner Moses Muyuri among others.

They all voiced their support for the tree planting initiative. They all agreed that community involvement and collaboration between government agencies and residents would be critical to the success of the project.

Source: Kenya News Agency

In a significant move towards environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration, a comprehensive tree planting exercise was held at Nyanturago Swamp in Kisii County, led by Senior Deputy Secretary (SDS)-Administration at the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Hezron Nyamberi.

The event forms part of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy’s larger commitment to plant 10 million trees this year, with a target of 5 million trees in Kisii County and an additional 5 million in Nandi County.

The Ministry’s tree planting efforts in Kisii are part of a broader environmental conservation agenda aimed at addressing land degradation and restoring critical ecological zones. Nyanturago Swamp, a government reserve previously utilized by local communities for cattle grazing, has been identified as a key focus area due to its strategic importance in the region’s environmental balance.

However, the success of the program hinges on the community involvement and commitm
ent to nurturing the seedlings once they are planted, a point that Nyamberi underscored in his address.

Nyamberi expressed the government’s deep concern over the pilferage that has plagued previous tree planting efforts in Nyanturago.

He said that during the four prior planting sessions conducted by the Ministry and its partners, many seedlings had been uprooted by locals, severely hindering the progress that could have been achieved. He stressed that this was the fifth such event in the area, and urged the community to take ownership of the trees and ensure their survival.

‘We cannot continue like this. The government, alongside its partners, has invested enormous resources, both financial and human, to ensure that Nyanturago Swamp is restored to its natural state. The benefits of this project will not only be felt by the environment but also by you, the people who live here. It is your responsibility to protect these seedlings, to nurture them, and to help them grow into the trees that will secure your f
uture,’ said the SDS.

Nyamberi urged residents to understand that their actions, whether positive or negative, have a direct impact on the environment and their livelihoods.

‘The consequences of tampering with the environment are severe, and they do not choose who to affect. Whether you are rich or poor, the environment will respond to how we treat it. If we continue to destroy it, it will destroy us in return. But if we take care of it, it will take care of us and our future generations,’ he said.

The Administrator made it clear that the government could only do so much in terms of policy, funding, and mobilization. The true success of the initiative depends on the active participation and goodwill of the local communities. He reminded residents that their actions today would determine the quality of life for their children and grandchildren.

‘Once these seedlings grow into mature trees, they will improve your lives in ways you might not even realize now. They will provide shade, clean air, water retenti
on, and even the opportunity for economic activities like beekeeping. It is your duty, as the people who stand to benefit most from this project, to protect these trees and ensure their survival,’ he added.

To reinforce this message, Nyamberi announced that the Ministry, together with local leaders, the county government, and the National Government Administrative Office (NGAO), would establish a committee to investigate the reasons behind the uprooting of seedlings and to devise sustainable solutions.

Kisii County Forest Conservator Safari Opiyo also addressed the gathering, reiterating the importance of the tree planting exercise and calling on residents to embrace environmental stewardship. In a poignant reminder, Mr. Opiyo spoke about the spiritual and moral responsibility of protecting God’s creation, urging locals to see tree planting as an act of faith and duty.

‘God created trees with a purpose. They are part of His design for the earth, to sustain life, and to provide for all His creations. When w
e destroy trees, we are going against His intention. We must respect and care for what God has given us, not destroy it,’ Mr. Opiyo said.

He explained that tree seedlings take years to grow in nurseries before they can be transplanted, underscoring the time and effort invested in their production.

‘This is not just about planting a tree. It’s about ensuring that it grows into something that will serve us all. The process takes time and patience, and every time a seedling is uprooted, it’s not just money that is wasted, but also years of work and preparation,’ he added.

The Forest Conservator urged the community to take advantage of the current rainy season to plant more trees, both at Nyanturago and in their homesteads. He emphasized that trees are a renewable resource that, if properly cared for, can provide a wide range of benefits, from improving soil fertility to mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Nyaribari Chache Sub- County Administrator Erick Osoro weighed in on the issue of seedling theft c
alling for stricter enforcement measures to prevent future destruction of seedlings. He encouraged the community to report any incidents of vandalism, noting that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.

‘Seedling theft not only sets us back in terms of progress, but it also wastes resources that could have been used to develop other areas. We need to come together as a community and stop this practice. Those caught vandalizing the trees should face legal consequences,’ said Mr. Osoro.

He introduced the idea of promoting eco-friendly economic activities, such as beekeeping, which can thrive in the presence of healthy forests. By supporting such ventures, the community can generate income while simultaneously contributing to the conservation of the environment.

Other officials present at the event were, National Youth Chairperson Cedrick Otieno, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) regional coordinator for Western and Nyanza Teddy Evans, Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner Maina Ngunyi, Samet
a Deputy County Commissioner Moses Muyuri among others.

They all voiced their support for the tree planting initiative. They all agreed that community involvement and collaboration between government agencies and residents would be critical to the success of the project.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kapsowar Town and its environs are set to receive a long-awaited sewerage system and a new water treatment plant, marking a significant step towards improving water access and sanitation in the region.

The project, still in its planning stages, is a collaboration between the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency (LVNWWDA), the North Rift Water Works Development Agency [NRWWDA], and the Cherangany Marakwet Water and Sanitation Company (CHEMAWASCO).

According to David Kimutai, Director at CHEMAWASCO, the current water treatment plant has been inadequate in serving the town’s growing population.

‘The current plant is unable to meet the needs of many residents due to water rationing. Once the new plant is constructed, the amount of water available per cubic meter will increase, ensuring that residents have access to water 24 hours a day,’ said Kimutai.

Environmental concerns have also been raised as part of the project planning. Cloud Lumumba, an environmentalist from LVNWWDA, explained the town
‘s need for an additional 2,500 cubic meters of water daily.

‘For this to be possible, we must build a reliable sewerage system to handle the outflow. About 80% of the water intake is returned to the environment, so proper waste management is essential,’ Lumumba said during a public participation forum in Kapsowar yesterday.

Lumumba also addressed the challenge of where to channel the wastewater, given the proposed increase in water supply.

‘When the proposal for a larger treatment plant was put forward, the question arose about managing the waste. A sewerage system became a necessary part of the plan, and we have identified Ng’orng’oroi in Kapsowar as the main waste treatment site,’ he added.

Vincent Otieno, an engineer at LVNWWDA, shed light on the technical aspects of the sewerage system, explaining that sanitation involves two key steps: onsite and offsite treatment.

He said, ‘We carefully considered the terrain and slope of the area, as the town slopes towards two prominent areas. Three locations we
re considered for the sewer system, Kapsowar, Kipsaiya, and Kapsumai. The main sewer line will run along the valley, with Ng’orng’oroi as the central treatment point.’

Otieno highlighted that Kapsowar has been prone to waterborne diseases due to lacking a sewerage system. ‘Without proper sanitation, waterborne diseases have become a concern. The sewer system will be crucial in addressing this issue.’

He also mentioned that while Arror was considered as a potential site for waste management, it was deemed unviable due to security concerns and its steep terrain.

‘Arror’s steepness is ideal for water supply but not for sewage management,’ Otieno noted, adding that plans to improve Arror’s water supply would still go ahead, including the installation of a large septic tank at a later date after they have improved its water supply.

In rural areas where the sewerage system may not reach, such as Lawich and Sisiya, ablution blocks with toilets and bathrooms will be built. ‘These ablution blocks will serve region
s that are not covered by the main sewer lines,’ Otieno explained.

Marakwet West Sub-county Ward Administrator, Patrick Maiyo, urged the residents to fully support the project, emphasizing the benefits it will bring to the town.

‘If we embrace the sewerage system and water treatment plant, Kapsowar will be upgraded. With the town’s upgrade, many good things will follow,’ he said.

Maiyo also addressed any potential conflicts, reassuring the public that any issues would be resolved amicably to avoid disruptions to the project. ‘If there are any squabbles, we will sit down and sort them out so that donors do not withdraw funding,’ he added.

Kapsowar Ward Assistant County Commissioner, Jumbale Chibanza, emphasized the importance of compensating individuals affected by the project to avoid community conflicts.

‘We must take compensation seriously to prevent disputes. As a regional government, we fully support the project,’ Chibanza said.

Johnston Cheptoo, the Chairman of Kapsowar Town, expressed optimism abo
ut the positive changes the new sewerage system will bring.

‘With this new sanitation project, our lives will improve. The town will be able to grow, and we can now build structures like flats and install flushable toilets, which were not possible before due to the lack of a proper sanitation system,’ Cheptoo said.

Once completed, the new sewerage system and water treatment plant will serve the entire town of Kapsowar, with pipelines running through key areas including Kiplabai, Cheles, Gilgal, AIC Shammah, and Rorok Victory. Ng’orng’oroi will be the location but the exact site of the new treatment plant will be confirmed at a later stage, but the community is hopeful for the transformative impact this project will have on their daily lives.

Source: Kenya News Agency