'Access to clean water big challenge'

Machakos, Kenya: Access to safe drinking water is still an issue of grave concern to the residents of Machakos County, Blind and Low executive director Kennedy Siocha has said.

Mr Siocha said they have been struggling with the problem for decades with no visible solution in sight. He was a panelist during the premier of the Sikika Sasa show aired on KTN on Friday.

"There is only one water point which serves everyone in the county. This situation needs to be addressed," he said.

Residents are forced to travel long distances to access the water point. The youth and women questioned the commitment of the county government in dealing with issues affecting them.

Elijah Khyalo of Exodus Development Commutations said the high costs involved in setting up businesses discouraged them.

"The county should find a way to reduce licensing fees to encourage self employment among the youth," said Mr Khyalo.

Women expressed concern at the level of health and social integration and called for stronger and higher investments in the areas. Joel Muli, who was in the audience, said the county government must educate the public.

I Choose Life Chief Executive Officer Mike Mutungi said the public's level of awarness in the country is low and urged both the national and county governments to allocate money for civic education.

These were some of the issues raised during the show which seeks to reveal areas of concern to the public. Benevolent Institute of Development Initiatives Chief Executive Officer Margaret Sila was also a panelist.

The show is sponsored by Amkeni Wakena under the United Nations Development Programme, and will tour Kilifi, Turkana, Homa Bay, Kapsabet and Nairobi.