Kericho and Bomet unveil Sh60m water plan to boost access

The water shortage that has affected residents of parts of Kericho and Bomet counties for many years is expected to be a thing of the past soon as the two counties roll out a Sh60 million joint project to enhance access to the precious commodity.

Already, the government of Kericho has acquired the first of the two low-lift water pumps that are supposed to be installed at Itare Intake Works. This is meant to ease access to water by more than 35,000 residents of Bureti constituency.

Kericho Water and Sanitation Company (Kewasco) managing director Erick Siele said: "Acquisition of the pump is part of the joint interim agreement between Kericho and Bomet for enhancement of water production."

The Itare water supply scheme was constructed in 1986 by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to serve Bureti and Sotik constituencies in Kericho and Bomet counties respectively.

"The water pump acquisition is part of the Sh60 million commitment pool between the counties and Lake Victoria South Development Water Works Development Agency where each party was to contribute Sh20 million for the enhancement of water production for the two counties," said Siele.

Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency chairman Dan Omino said they are looking for additional investment to improve and exploit the full capacity Itare river.

The Itare Water treatment plant has a capacity of treating eight million litres of water.

The water intake point and distribution networks are in both Bomet and Kericho counties.