The Garissa Water and Sewerage Company (GAWASCO) has officially launched a state-of-the-art, fully accredited regional water testing laboratory—a historic first for northern Kenya.

Commissioned at the heart of Garissa Town, the facility is equipped with advanced analytical tools, including a UV spectrophotometer, bacteriological testing kits, and modern equipment for physico-chemical analysis.

The lab will conduct both clean and wastewater testing in line with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

“This is a game changer for Garissa, Tana River, and neighboring counties,” said Mohamed Guti, Chief Chemist at GAWASCO.

“We now have all the necessary tools for comprehensive water quality analysis. I urge anyone drilling new boreholes or needing water quality assurance to bring their samples to us. The lab meets all national and international standards.”

Previously, water samples had to be transported to Embu or Nairobi—an expensive and time-consuming process.

GAWASCO Managing Director Mohamed Mahmoud Dolal noted that this new development will significantly cut testing turnaround times and lower costs for the over 400 boreholes and six licensed water bottling companies operating in Garissa.

“This lab is now fully operational, thanks to the county government under Governor Nathif Jama,” said Dolal.

“We are already receiving samples not just from Garissa but also from Wajir, Isiolo, and even Mandera. We appeal to all stakeholders—public and private—to make use of this facility, which is now CAPES-accredited and capable of providing timely, credible results.”

Baraki Ward Member of the County Assembly Hassan Geley became the lab’s first official client, delivering samples from two newly drilled boreholes in Hagarale and Dar Es Salaam villages.

“This facility has drastically reduced waiting times,” he said. “What used to take 14 days in Nairobi can now be done here in just 24 hours. It’s cheaper, faster, and more accurate.”

Geley emphasized the critical need for regular testing, especially in light of increasing health concerns across the region.

“Garissa is facing a concerning rise in cancer cases, and some experts link it to hard minerals in borehole water. We need quarterly or biannual testing of all water sources to protect our people.”

The lab will serve as a critical resource for counties across the former North Eastern Province and coastal regions, including Tana River, Kilifi, and Kitui, offering fast, affordable, and reliable testing.

It also supports sustainable water management practices and ensures the safety of both human and livestock water consumption.

“This is more than a lab—it’s a health safeguard,” said MCA Geley.

“I thank the Governor and GAWASCO for this bold step. We now have the capacity to ensure every drop of water consumed in the region is safe.”