Water is life, yet for many residents of Kajiado County, access to clean and reliable water has been a constant struggle. However, change is on the horizon! On January 21, 2025, representatives from the Athi Water Works Agency (AWWA) sat down with leaders from the Kajiado County Alliance of Residents’ Associations (K-CARA) and elected officials to discuss solutions for water distribution, infrastructure development, and waste management.
The meeting, held in Muthaiga, brought to light major progress, ongoing challenges, and a clear roadmap for ensuring sustainable water solutions.
Here’s what you need to know:
💧 Water is Finally Flowing! But There’s More Work to Do
For years, Kajiado’s rapid urban growth has outpaced its water supply systems, leading to shortages, dry taps, and unreliable distribution. The good news? Several major water projects are now in motion:
🚰 Northern Collector Tunnel: Water Coming Soon!
A 55km transmission pipeline from the Northern Collector Tunnel is finally ready, with a key offtake point in Karen set to supply Ongata Rongai and Kiserian with 5,000 cubic meters of water per day.
🛠 What’s Happening Now?
✅ Pipes are being flushed and sterilized
✅ Repairs are ongoing on vandalized sections
✅ Water supply is expected to begin in the next two weeks!
🚰 More Water for Kiserian and Kitengela
✔️ Kiserian is set to receive 6,000 cubic meters per day, but clarifications are needed on where the extra water is coming from.
✔️ Kitengela’s water infrastructure is in urgent need of repairs, with a KES 70 million budget required for network upgrades.
🚰 The Ololoitikosh Dam: A Game-Changer in the Making
AWWA has announced plans to build the Ololoitikosh Dam, which will have a massive storage capacity of 34 billion liters.
🚀 Phase 1 of the project will treat 35,000 cubic meters per day, easing water shortages across the county.
🚰 Tapping into Ngong Hills Springs
AWWA has submitted a proposal for KES 50 million to tap into Ngong Hills Springs, but residents are concerned the budget won’t be enough to properly develop and protect the 12 natural streams.
⚠️ Challenges That Need Urgent Attention
Despite this positive progress, several obstacles are slowing things down:
❌ Vandalism – Water pipelines are frequently destroyed, causing delays.
❌ Aging Pipes – Many of Kajiado’s water supply lines are old and need urgent replacement.
❌ Funding Gaps – The Kitengela upgrade alone needs KES 70 million, but funds haven’t been secured.
❌ Legal Battles Over Sewerage Projects – The Kiserian Sewerage Project is stuck in court over a KES 440 million dispute, delaying much-needed improvements.
🌍 Protecting Our Water Sources: What’s Being Done?
🔹 Cleaning Up Kiserian Dam
Kiserian Dam, which once provided water to many residents, has not been desilted since 2013. Pollution from nearby slaughterhouses and residential waste has made the situation worse.
🛠 What’s Being Done?
✔️ Plans to desilt the dam and restore its original depth
✔️ Installing security fencing, lighting, and surveillance to prevent encroachment
✔️ Ensuring Kajiado West gets its fair share of water from the dam
🔹 Waste Management and Sewerage Solutions
✔️ The Kiserian Sewerage Project is stuck in legal battles, but AWWA and residents are pushing for a resolution.
✔️ A new sewerage facility has been proposed for Ngong, Kitengela, and Kajiado municipalities, but funding is still pending.
🔹 Conservation Efforts for Ngong Hills
Ngong Hills’ water catchment areas are at risk from pollution and encroachment. Immediate action is needed to protect these vital sources for future generations.
🚀 What’s Next? The Road Ahead
✅ Immediate Priorities (Next 3 Months)
🔹 Finish leak repairs on the Northern Collector Tunnel
🔹 Test and commission the Kiserian and Kitengela networks
🔹 Secure KES 70 million for Kitengela’s water system upgrade
🔹 Begin desilting and protecting Kiserian Dam
📆 Mid-Term Goals (April – June 2025)
🔹 Implement a structured desilting plan for Kiserian Dam
🔹 Strengthen security around water sources to prevent encroachment
🔹 Resolve legal disputes over the Kiserian Sewerage Project
🌍 Long-Term Vision (2026 and Beyond)
🔹 Establish Kitengela as a major water distribution hub
🔹 Expand water sources to meet the county’s growing demand
🔹 Partner with private sector investors to improve water and sanitation infrastructure
🙌 Your Voice Matters! How Can You Help?
Water security isn’t just about government projects—it’s about community involvement. Here’s how you can be part of the solution:
💧 Stay Informed – Follow K-CARA updates and attend community meetings.
💧 Advocate for Better Water Management – Engage with local leaders and demand action.
💧 Support Conservation Efforts – Protect riparian land and reduce pollution.
This meeting was a big step forward, but real change happens when residents and leaders work together. Let’s keep the momentum going and ensure Kajiado has a water-secure future! 💙💦
