Nairobi: The Kericho County government has invested Sh18.6 million in the expansion of the Kipsigori Dam Water Project in Kedowa Kimugul Ward, Kipkelion East Sub-County, with the goal of improving access to clean water for residents.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the commissioning of the project, Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai highlighted that the initiative includes key enhancements such as desilting, rehabilitation works, the installation of a solar-powered pump, the construction of an 8-kilometer pipeline, the erection of raised steel tanks, and the completion of two 100-cubic-meter water storage tanks.
Governor Mutai emphasized that the expanded Kipsigori Dam would serve 13 villages in Kiprengwe Sub-location, benefiting over 5,000 residents, as well as three institutions, including a dispensary. Additionally, he pointed out that parts of Chepseon Ward, including the Sabunit community, will also gain access to the improved water supply.
'The contractor must expedite the works to ensure timely completion, as this project is crucial to providing clean drinking water to our people. My administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving water access across Kericho County, with over 40 projects currently underway,' said Governor Mutai.
Governor Mutai also provided an update on the Kedowa Milling Plant, which is one of his key flagship projects, saying the plant's structure is now complete, and preparations for the second phase are underway, including the tendering of milling equipment and the expansion of the facility to include two warehouses and an administrative unit.
'Once fully operational, the milling plant will create employment opportunities and mitigate post-harvest losses thereby offering better value to our farmers,' Dr. Mutai added.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Mutai officially opened a two-day Field Day and Tea Industry Agricultural Exhibition, themed 'Advancing Agricultural Innovation for Resilient Food Systems and Sustainable Livelihoods.' He commended the Tea Research Institute, through KALRO, for its contributions to the development of high-yielding, drought-resistant tea clones that improve the livelihoods of local farmers.
'I engaged with farmers, industry experts, and stakeholders to explore practical ways to enhance tea farming. I also encouraged farmers to embrace the opportunities presented by new technologies and systems, which are critical to advancing our agricultural sector,' he remarked.
Also present at the event were Agriculture County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Magerer Langat and Lands CECM Joseph Korir, among other area leaders.