SHOFCO launches Ksh.500M water project in Kibera

“This water project will serve 40,000 residents of Kibera with clean and safe water. Because of poor sanitation in the slums, we have employed an aerial water piping system that ensures water is delivered safely to the final consumer after treatment,” SHOFCO Founder and CEO Dr. Kennedy Odede said during the launch.

The 13-kilometre water project will also serve 47 schools and five health centres in Kibera and Lang’ata sub-counties with free water. “As someone who grew up in Kibera slums, I’m so proud to see this clean water, which can be taken directly from the source. It is so powerful,” Dr. Odede stated.

Water will be dispensed through a digital system installed in 52 water kiosks spread across Kibera informal settlements. 

“We have kiosks across Kibera and Lang’ata sub-counties. We provide water at a cost of Ksh. 3 when others are selling at Ksh. 30. This means nobody should get sick because they cannot afford clean water. Water is life,” Dr. Odede added.

Speaking during the launch, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, representing Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, said the water plant is a game changer in addressing the water shortage in Kibera slums. 

“This is a major investment for the people of Kibera. Raila Odinga has promised to find time to come and see this amazing project which we have just launched. For the people of Kibera and everyone who will enjoy the water, just know that this is a major investment,” Sifuna said.

The Senator further noted the project will help bridge the water shortage gap in Nairobi, currently at 260 million litres per day.

 “In Nairobi, we have a demand of around 810 million litres of water per day, but the supply is only about 550 million litres, leaving a significant deficit of 260 million litres per day. A project like this will help bridge the gap and ensure our people get clean and reliable water for their daily use. I’m really proud of what SHOFCO is doing,” he said.

Water Cabinet Secretary Zachary Njeru, represented by Senior Deputy Secretary at the State Department for Water and Sanitation Mr. Douglas Mutai during the launch, said the project aligns with his ministry’s agenda to provide water for all. 

“Water, sanitation, and hygiene are the most critical services offered by SHOFCO, and this aligns with my ministry’s efforts to provide these services for every Kenyan citizen. We appreciate SHOFCO’s support in delivering this noble mission. I’m particularly impressed by your commitment to ensure clean water supply is provided affordably to every resident of the Kibera community,” CS Njeru said.

SHOFCO adopted an aerial water piping system to counteract vandalism and theft of pipes and end water contamination in Kibera. 

For decades, water cartels in the slum made it almost impossible to supply affordable water via underground pipes.