By Treezer Michelle Atieno
Maseno, a bustling town in Kisumu, is on the brink of a breakthrough in its water supply. An agreement has been signed between the county governments of Kisumu and Vihiga to address the chronic water shortage in the area.
Under this agreement, Vihiga County will supply bulk water to the Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company (KIWASCO), and they will distribute to Maseno Town and its neighbouring areas. This move aims to alleviate the water scarcity that has plagued Maseno, especially with its significant population growth in recent years.
Kisumu’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathew Owili, emphasized the pressing need for this collaboration, highlighting Maseno’s significant population surge. The presence of Maseno University, with over 20,000 students, alongside other educational institutions like Maseno School and Maseno Boarding Primary School, has intensified the demand for water in the area.
“The high population has put pressure on our supply, resulting in a water shortage in this area,” Dr Owili explained during the World Water Day celebrations in Maseno.
The partnership between Kisumu and Vihiga counties extends beyond bulk water supply. It encompasses joint efforts to protect and conserve water sources in the region, ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply for Maseno and its environs.
Marylene Agwa, the Executive Committee Member in charge of Water, Environment, and Natural Resources for Kisumu County, expressed optimism about the impact of the collaboration. She projected that water coverage in Maseno would double from its current 20% to 40%, significantly improving access to clean and safe water for residents.
In addition to the partnership with Vihiga County, several water infrastructure projects are underway in the region. The Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) is spearheading initiatives such as the rehabilitation of springs and boreholes, as well as the construction of water storage tanks. These projects aim to address the perennial water shortage in Maseno and its environs.
Thomas Odongo, the Managing Director of KIWASCO, emphasized the role of climate change in exacerbating water scarcity in the area. He called for concerted efforts to conserve water resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change on water availability.
