Makueni: The County Government of Makueni has embarked on a project to provide water to the residents in an effort to alleviate the acute shortage they face, area Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has said. The Governor, speaking during the Madaraka Day celebrations at Mukuyuni Primary School, revealed that the government has initiated projects like the Ndukuma Dam Rehabilitation, Mulima Water Purification Plant, and Athi-Tunguni-Kilema and Athi-Kalawa projects to offer long-term solutions to the water shortage in the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Governor emphasized that the county assumed office during a period marked by a severe water deficit and prolonged droughts, compelling women and children to walk up to five kilometers in search of water. This situation posed a barrier to health, education, and economic progress. To address this, the county embarked on a dual strategy: implementing mega infrastructure projects for long-term solutions and accelerating distribution for immediate relief.
The Governor noted that the water projects are nearing completion, though he did not specify the number of residents who will benefit. Additionally, the county government, in collaboration with partners, has drilled and equipped 10 boreholes in the 2024/2025 financial year, with plans to sink another 15 in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Mutula highlighted partnerships with organizations such as Water Mission, World Vision, USAID, and Welthungerhilfe (WHH) in drilling boreholes to alleviate the residents' suffering. Through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLOCA) program, which combines water access with agricultural resilience and environmental conservation, additional projects worth over Sh200 million were implemented this financial year.
The Governor further disclosed that the county has prioritized last-mile water connectivity, targeting at least two major water sources in each of the 30 wards, with a total of Sh403 million set to be spent in the 2025/2026 financial year.