Kisumu: NCBA Bank, Kenya, in collaboration with the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, has donated 24 water tanks of 5,000-liter capacity worth Sh1.2 million to communities in Kisumu. This marks the initial phase of a larger initiative to distribute 200 such tanks to various communities as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility effort.
According to Kenya News Agency, the handover ceremony for the 24 tanks took place at the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency offices in Kisumu, where the agency's Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Jacklyne Kemunto, outlined the distribution plan. The tanks will be allocated to schools, market centers, and hospitals, among other public places, to enhance water harvesting and sanitation. Kemunto emphasized the importance of providing clean drinking water and improving community sanitation as part of their mandate.
Kemunto further explained that the agency is collaborating with NCBA Bank to offer free quality water facilities and technical support to community groups, thereby promoting water accessibility and sustainability. She highlighted the role of individual groups in water and sanitation, which often lack technical support, and noted the agency's commitment to partnering with other organizations to continue providing technical assistance and quality water facilities.
Mr. Tirus Mwithiga, NCBA Bank Group Director for Corporate and Investment Banking, reiterated the bank's commitment by pledging to donate 200 tanks requested by the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency. He explained that this initiative aligns with NCBA's vision of fostering a sustainable, environmentally conscious future. Mwithiga pointed out that the donation addresses the beneficiaries' longstanding challenges with accessing clean and reliable water supplies.
Mwithiga also discussed NCBA's "Change the Story" program, which focuses on environmental issues and providing water to communities. He stated that the program aims to improve lives and support regional development through enhanced water storage for schools, markets, and social institutions, thus addressing a critical need.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, Mr. Dan Owino, added that the program targets needy markets, schools, social centers, and individuals, offering technical support and inviting more partners to join the initiative.
The Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, serves eight counties: Bomet, Homa Bay, Kericho, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nyamira, and Siaya. Established by the Water Act 2016, the agency covers a jurisdiction with a population of approximately 8.8 million people, accounting for nearly 17.4 percent of Kenya's population.