Kirinyaga: The County Government of Kirinyaga has stepped up efforts to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW) through the installation of a master meter at the Muratiri Water Treatment Plant. The new system will allow the county to monitor water production more accurately and compare it with actual consumption. This will enable the detection of losses caused by leaks, pipe bursts, overflows, or illegal connections.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru stated that the installation is among several reforms aimed at ensuring sustainable water management and reducing non-revenue water. The county is currently implementing the non-revenue water reduction plan, which has already decreased non-revenue water from 59 to 47 percent as of February 2025. Waiguru emphasized the goal of further reducing this figure to below 35 percent within the next year.
To support these efforts, the county is also installing 27 electro-magnetic zonal meters and district metering area (DMA) meters to monitor flow in specific areas and compare usage after billing. James Mutugi, County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Water and Natural Resources, explained that the Kirinyaga County Water and Sanitation Company (KICOWASCO) has installed a master meter to ascertain the actual amount of water flowing from the source, which will aid in analyzing water usage and billing.
Chief Officer for Water and Irrigation Peter Murimi highlighted that the county previously relied on estimated figures to track water output from the Muratiri Treatment Plant. With the master meter now in place, the county can accurately determine the exact amount of water produced, facilitating more effective monitoring of losses. Murimi also noted that the county has begun metering all consumer connections to ensure every drop of water is accounted for, which will enhance revenue collection and reduce wastage.
KICOWASCO's Managing Director, Cyrus Mwangi, indicated that these reforms will improve customer service and billing efficiency. The company has increased engagement with residents to encourage prompt bill payments and is responding more quickly to illegal connections and pipe bursts. Mwangi pledged to enhance water supply, ensure accurate billing, and boost revenue.
Additionally, KICOWASCO is rehabilitating water lines damaged during road construction. The company's scheme manager in Sagana, Peter Mwenda, confirmed that the process to reconnect more than 300 customers affected by road works in Lower Kiangwaci and Gacharu is ongoing. Mwenda also mentioned that new water lines are being extended to areas previously without piped water, bringing joy to the beneficiaries.