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Climate change

Nakuru County Prioritizes Water Infrastructure Development and Public-Private Partnerships

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The County Government of Nakuru is focusing on developing its water infrastructure to address the demand and supply gap, with the ultimate goal of increasing households' access to clean water. County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Dr. Nelson Maara announced the county's intention to enter into public-private partnerships to revamp its aged wastewater treatment and sewerage systems. The county is also undertaking policy, governance, and legal interventions to increase water storage, improve sanitation, and boost food security.

Key Takeaways:

  • The County Government of Nakuru aims to increase households' access to clean water by developing its water infrastructure and addressing the demand and supply gap.
  • The county has announced plans to enter into public-private partnerships to revamp its aged wastewater treatment and sewerage systems.
  • Dr. Maara emphasized the need for modern and efficient waste water management systems, which will incorporate recycling and reuse concepts to enhance separation of storm water and waste water.
  • The county has pledged to upgrade its two existing treatment plants in Kivumbini and Mwariki and expand the sewer systems to other parts of the city, including informal settlements.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that sub-Saharan Africa loses an equivalent of four percent of its GDP due to inadequate water supply and sanitation.
  • Dr. Maara mentioned the need to recognize and implement the requirements of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Article 43 (1), (b), (c), (d) provision, which guarantees reasonable standards of sanitation, freedom from hunger, and safe water in adequate quantities.
  • The county has lined up projects to alleviate water shortage, including the last mile water pipe connectivity to rural households from Itare Dam and the expansion of Turasha Dam in Gilgil.
  • The County Assembly Committee on Water and Environment will work with the County Government to ensure proper management of water projects and preserve good service delivery.

Statistics:

  • Sub-Saharan Africa loses approximately 4% of its GDP due to inadequate water supply and sanitation (World Health Organization).
  • The demand for water in Nakuru is estimated to be 70,000 cubic meters per day.
  • The current water supply in Nakuru stands at 40,000 cubic meters per day, resulting in a deficit of 30,000 cubic meters per day.
  • The County Government is partnering with Vitens Evides International to reduce non-revenue water from 54% to 20%.

Sources:

  • Kenya News Agency, "Nakuru County to Develop Water Infrastructure" (09 Mar 2023)
  • World Health Organization, "Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene"
  • Constitution of Kenya 2010, Article 43 (1), (b), (c), (d)

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