Relief for Nairobi as Ksh. 4.5B Kigoro Water Treatment Plant commissioned

The chronic water scarcity that plagues Nairobi and its surrounding regions may soon be a thing of the past with the completion of the Sh4.5 billion Kigoro Water Treatment Plant.

The cutting-edge facility, which can treat 140 million litres of water per day, is expected to provide a safe, clean, and dependable water supply to residents of the Nairobi metropolitan area and beyond.

For decades, residents of Nairobi and its surrounding areas have faced persistent water shortages, with rationing becoming the norm, posing significant challenges such as health risks and economic disruptions.

The new facility, financed through a partnership between the Kenyan government and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), is part of the Northern Collector Tunnel (NCT) system and is expected to alleviate water shortages for over 1.2 million people across Murang’a, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, and Kajiado counties.

During the commissioning ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Mugaa, expressed optimism about the project's impact on addressing water challenges, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.

He was joined by H.E. Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, the French Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships, who highlighted the strong collaboration between Kenya and France in improving water and sanitation infrastructure.

Nairobi County, which has a population of more than four million people, is expected to benefit the most from the plant's operations, as it aims to meet the city's daily water demand, which is currently more than one million litres.

CS Mugaa hailed the facility as a watershed moment in Kenya's journey towards achieving its Vision 2030 development goals, emphasising the importance of water in improving quality of life.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring every Kenyan enjoys their constitutional right to clean, safe, and affordable water.

The Kigoro Water Treatment Plant incorporates cutting-edge technology, including a compact design, SCADA automation for efficient monitoring, and in-house sodium hypochlorite production for water disinfection.

These innovations establish the facility as a model of efficiency and modernity in water management.

French companies SUEZ and SOGEA were instrumental in its execution, contributing advanced solutions that enhance operational sustainability. H.E. Thani Mohamed-Soilihi commended these efforts, describing the plant as a beacon of innovation and a testament to the strong partnership between Kenya and France in driving sustainable development.

Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) Chairman Charles Karondo described the project as a water infrastructure milestone in Kenya's history, while Gatanga MP Edward Muriu lauded its potential to boost economic growth and improve livelihoods in his constituency.

For years, many in the area have relied on river water, and the new facility offers a solution that promises to transform lives.

The perennial water crisis in Nairobi has been attributed to various factors, including aging infrastructure, illegal connections, pipe leakages, and a mismatch between water demand and production capacity.

To address these issues comprehensively, the government has announced plans to implement supplementary projects, including the construction of additional dams, to further enhance water security.

The Kigoro Water Treatment Plant is expected to provide clean water to over one million people, significantly reducing the burden of water rationing and its associated challenges.

As it begins operations, the facility stands as a symbol of Kenya’s progress in tackling water scarcity while setting a benchmark for future infrastructure projects in the country.