Kirinyaga launches Sh100m Mwea bulk water extension project

The Kirinyaga government has started laying underground high-density pipes to supply clean water to over 30,000 households in Mwea subcounty.

The move is a major step towards closing long-standing water access gaps across the county.

Tusker rally past Ulinzi to reach FKF Cup semifinals as Nairobi United bow out Football

Red hot Omanyala to orchestrate Kenya's 4x100m charge at World Relays today Athletics

Works to extend the Kandongu–Mutithi bulk water pipeline to villages in Mutithi and Wamumu wards have already commenced. The county is also rehabilitating the Nyamindi intake to service parts of Nyangati, Gathigiriri, Tebere, and Thiba wards.

“This project will significantly improve access to clean water for residents who have depended on unsafe sources for decades,” Governor Anne Waiguru said. Shye said Sh100 million has been allocated for Phase One of the Mwea bulk water supply project.

The project involves extension of main pipelines and feeder lines, rehabilitation of intakes, and supply of pipes and fittings to reach eight wards in Mwea.

Extension works for the Kutus–Kimbimbi bulk water main pipeline and feeder lines, which will supply residents of Gathigiriri, Tebere, and Thiba wards, are also set to start.

Murinduko ward will be serviced through completion of the Mugaru water project, while Kangai ward will benefit from the extension of existing lines to areas including Kombuini, Kangai, and Karii.

“Once completed, this project will bring the percentage of residents with clean water access to 78 across the county,” Waiguru said.

Improved supply will reduce waterborne diseases and boost public health and economic stability.

Waiguru described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to enhance dignity, equity, and climate resilience.

“Investment in water infrastructure is not just about pipes and boreholes, it’s about dignity, health, and opportunity. By expanding access to clean water and empowering our communities, we are laying the foundation for a greener, fairer, and more prosperous Kirinyaga,” she said.

She spoke during an inspection tour of the ongoing works on Tuesday. County Executive Committee Member for Water and Irrigation James Mutugi said the project has five main components designed to expand supply, improve water quality, and strengthen distribution systems.

These include extension of the Kandongu–Mutithi and Kutus–Nyangati–Kimbimbi bulk water pipelines, rehabilitation of the Nyamindi intake, and supply of pipes and fittings.

“We are delighted that this project has commenced. It will ensure that all the people of Mwea get clean reticulated water. These areas have had no piped water, and the impact on health will be enormous,” he said.

He said rehabilitation of the Nyamindi intake will increase water volumes along the Mwea–Makima system. “Once the main works are done, residents of Mwea will receive higher volumes of clean water,” Mutugi said.

In the long term, the project targets over 100,000 households. Mutugi said reliable reticulated water will reduce cases of cholera, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases.

He noted that supplying clean water improves health and frees up household resources previously used to treat illnesses thus uplifting families

Residents have welcomed the development as life-changing. “We are very happy to get this water project close to us. Previously, we used water from wells and canals that were often dirty and made people sick. We thank Governor Waiguru for keeping her promise," Lillian Wanjiku said.

Ndegwa Ikubu of Mugaa village in Mutithi ward said piped water was long overdue. “Most residents fetched water from canals used for irrigating rice farms, sometimes contaminated. Finally having piped water will protect our families from bilharzia, amoeba, and typhoid,” he said.

Peterson Njuguna, another Mutithi resident, described the project as historic. “Ever since I was born here, I have never seen piped water in our homes. This project is truly life-changing,” he said.

Ends

Natembeya vows to defend Trans Nzoia seat, backs opposition push

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has vowed to defend his seat in next year’s general elections even as he pledged to support the opposition bid to unseat President William Ruto.

There had been speculation that Natembeya might run for a national position, but he dismissed the claims,saying he intends to complete the projects he has initiated in Trans Nzoia.

“As we go to elections next year, God willing, I will still work with the people of Trans Nzoia as we also seek to remove the current regime from power and save our country from bad leadership,” Natembeya said.

He spoke at various stops across the county while leading the distribution of maize seedlings to small-scale farmers.

The governor also hit out at political rivals who have intensified campaigns to unseat him. He described them as hirelings sent by political masters with no interest in transforming residents’ lives.

Natembeya claimed that three individuals were traversing the county to mislead voters ahead of the election.

“I do not want to name the three because they do not deserve mileage from being mentioned as those seeking to remove me. However, I want the people of Trans Nzoia to know that they are hyenas in sheep’s clothing. They have been sent by the same masters in Ford Kenya,” he said.

The county has recently witnessed heightened political activity as aspirants position themselves for the gubernatorial contest.

Those who have declared interest in the seat include former Kiminini MP Dr Chris Wamalwa, who lost to Natembeya in the last election; former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, and Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau.

They have accused Natembeya of focusing on politics at the expense of tangible development since taking office.

However, the governor said he had already launched several completed projects and urged residents not to be misled by individuals he claimed were serving external interests.

“They have been sent with a lot of money. I urge you to take the cash but prepare to vote wisely next year,” he said.

Natembeya maintained that he is part of the opposition and said his administration’s achievements have been realised solely through county resources, without support from the national government.

He further claimed that the Luhya community continues to languish in poverty, accusing leaders in government of failing to advance the region’s development.

The governor criticised Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, accusing them of engaging in political rhetoric rather than delivering development despite their long tenure in office.

Natembeya alleged that the two leaders are working to oust him from office but vowed to continue serving the people of Trans Nzoia.

He accused them of focusing on President William Ruto’s re-election instead of supporting local development initiatives.