The Kenya government in collaboration with the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) have signed an agreement of Sh. 51.3 billion to supply piped water and sanitation services to 33 towns in the country.
The support will be channeled through the Kenya Towns and Sustainable Water and Sanitation’ programme.
This programme which is supported by the AfDB will provide about 2.1 million people with water supply services and connect 1.3 million people to water borne sewerage systems.
Speaking today at the signing ceremony held at Maji House,Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa said AfDB will contribute Sh. 45.2 billion while the Kenya government will contribute Sh. 6.1 billion respectively.
Towns which will benefit from the project include Mandera, Marsabit, Limuru, Kiambu, Kikuyu, Gatundu, Kerugoya, Chuka, Chogoria, Meru, Machakos, Mwala, Mbiuni, Pemba and Changamwe in Mombasa.
Others are Olkalau, Kipkaren in Eldoret, Narok, Chepararia, Kapenguria, Ugunja, Ukwala, Oyugis, Kendu Bay, Lolgorian, Kilgoris, Nandi Hills, Mulot, Bomet, Malaba, Kiptogot, Kolongolo and Kipkaren dam in Eldoret.
CS Wamalwa said the procurement of consulting firms for design, review and supervision has already been finalised and that the work is expected to commence this September and end in June 2021.
“This programme will form part of the performance contracts of the executives and the staff involved in its implementation. We expect every individual to perform as expected,” he added.
He at the same time, announced that the implementation of sub-projects will be led by the Athi Water Services Board under Athi, Tanathi and Coast Water Service Boards while Tana Water Service Board will lead sub-projects under Tana and Northern Water Service Boards.
Implementation of Sub-projects under Rift Valley, Lake Victoria North and South Water Service Boards will be led by the Rift Valley Water Service Board.