Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru’s efforts to reform Kirinyaga County’s water utility company are yielding promising results, with a marked reduction in Non-Revenue Water (NRW) levels.
Waiguru announced that the Kirinyaga County Water and Sanitation Company (KICOWASCO) had reduced NRW from 59 per cent in June 2022 to 52 per cent as at October 31, 2024.
Speaking before the Senate Committee on County Public Investment and Special Funds, led by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Waiguru credited the reduction to extensive reforms within the company.
“In the next one year, we commit to reduce the NRW to below 35 per cent. The company has set a roadmap that has been aligned with its 2021-2026 strategic plan," Waiguru stated.
"The plan has identified critical areas and contributors of NRW, action plans, resources needed and target results."
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NRW, which refers to water lost before reaching consumers, had previously been linked to unmetered water connections for community projects, illegal connections, ageing infrastructure, leakages, and bursts.
The Governor assured Senators that the reforms aim to ensure prudent management of KICOWASCO, with a focus on providing cost-effective and affordable quality water and sanitation services to residents.
Highlighting the progress made, Waiguru noted that the County Government had implemented Senate’s recommendations, including assuming full control of the water company’s management.
“On recommendation of the Senate, we have implemented far-reaching reforms in the management and governance of the company to steer it back on track and we have started making progress,” she said.
In a move to sustain the momentum, Waiguru revealed that a new Managing Director was being recruited to oversee the company’s growth.
Additionally, her administration has initiated water supply expansion projects in areas previously lacking piped water and committed to sourcing resources to ensure all water connections are metered.
During the session, Waiguru also addressed the ongoing transfer of water company assets from the national government to the county.
“Some of the pieces of land and water tanks that belong to the company could not be listed in the company’s asset register because they are yet to be transferred to the firm by the national government," she remarked.
"This is an issue that will need to be fast-tracked through the Council of Governors (CoG) because it cuts across all the counties."
Senator Osotsi lauded Kirinyaga County for implementing several Senate recommendations, noting that the reforms would ensure residents fully benefit from KICOWASCO.
He emphasised the importance of metering all water to curb losses.
“NRW is an issue that needs to be addressed by ensuring that every drop of water is metered,” he remarked.
As Waiguru’s administration focuses on further reducing water losses, residents of Kirinyaga stand to benefit from enhanced water and sanitation services, promising a brighter future for the county.
