Kisii: Residents of Kisii County are set to benefit from a Sh700 million water project that will involve the rehabilitation and expansion of the water supply network and construction of new water connections. The project, which is funded by the German government through KfW Development Bank, is part of a larger programme aimed at improving water and sanitation services in the Lake Victoria region.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the opening ceremony of the 14th edition of the Water Companies Sports Organisation (WASCO) games at Gusii Stadium in Kisii town, the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Mugaa, announced that the project is in the procurement stages and would expand connectivity in Kisii county. Eng. Mugaa noted that the residents of Nyaribari Chache, Bonchari, and Kitutu will benefit from the project once implemented.
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted that the Kisii, Kericho, and Leiten water and sanitation projects are under evaluation, and the Lake Victoria South Water Works Agency is working to ensure all requirements are fulfilled. He commended the water organizations for successfully organizing the WASCO games annually and praised the Kisii County leadership for hosting this year's event.
According to the CS, the games play a key role in fostering cultural exchange and boosting local economies, enhancing national unity and cohesion. Eng. Mugaa emphasized the importance of water companies in promoting bonding, networking, and knowledge-sharing, which drive improved service delivery for the people of Kenya.
He also commended the event's theme, "Combating Climate Change through Sports," and highlighted the significance of environmental conservation in safeguarding a shared future. The CS urged national and county governments to continue collaborating to deliver services to the people.
In a speech read on his behalf by Kisii Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo, Governor Simba Arati expressed gratitude to WASCO leadership, Kisii Water and Sanitation Company, and all participating teams, partners, and sponsors. Arati remarked that sports remind participants of the values needed to fight climate change and secure a sustainable future.
Governor Arati encouraged participants to play fairly, adding that games inspire communities to rise to new challenges and showcase their capabilities. KWASCO Managing Director Lucy Wahito welcomed participants, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and resilience among water companies. She noted that climate change remains a challenge, requiring discipline, strategy, and teamwork to combat.
The event also included tree planting at Kisii Comprehensive School, where the CS pledged to supply the school with 20,000-litre water storage tanks under the Ministry's water conservation programme. This year's WASCO games attracted 43 teams and 2100 participants and will run from August 18-22.