New water tanks, pipelines to transform Kisumu’s supply system

More than 25,000 households in Kisumu City and its environs are set to gain access to clean piped water following the launch of an expanded water supply and storage system under the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation (LVWATSAN) programme.

The Phase II Lot 1 project, implemented by the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA), will extend Kisumu’s water network by 156 kilometres, with an additional 25 kilometres laid in Maseno township.

To boost supply, new storage tanks with a combined capacity of 1,450 cubic metres will be built at Obwolo (250m³), Bukna (150m³), Maseno town (1,000m³) and Maseno market (150m³).

The plan also includes rehabilitating an existing borehole and drilling a new one in Maseno.

Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, who presided over the groundbreaking at Obwolo in Kisumu East on Saturday, September 7, 2025, said the Sh8.6 billion programme is jointly funded by the Government of Kenya, the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union.

Mugaa described the initiative as crucial in meeting the surging demand for water in Kisumu and Maseno, which have experienced rapid population growth.

“The LVWATSAN initiative is structured in three phases. Phase I, now 90 per cent complete, combines water and sanitation works. Phase II, which we have launched, focuses on water expansion, while Phase III will improve Dunga intake works and rehabilitate the Nyalenda waste treatment ponds,” he said.

The CS noted that sanitation remains a priority, pointing out that Kisumu’s sewer coverage stands at only 18 per cent.

“For long, we invested in water supply without matching investments in sanitation. This programme changes that by ensuring both move hand in hand,” he said.

He further highlighted challenges such as non-revenue water—estimated at 38 per cent in Kisumu—vandalism and contractual delays.

To address these, the ministry has provided leak detection equipment and vehicles to the Kisumu County Government, while also setting up a special water police unit to combat vandalism.

Mugaa also announced plans to establish bulk water service providers under the Water Act 2016 to improve revenue collection and loan repayment, assuring development partners that their funding will be well utilized.

“This project will touch the hearts of the people and transform livelihoods in this region,” he said, thanking partners and Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o for their support.

French Development Agency Director for Africa, Sandra Kessab, said the project reflects strong Kenya-France cooperation in the water sector.

“France is proud to have been your partner in water for two decades, and through AFD, we remain committed to bridging the gap in access to clean water and sanitation for the most underserved communities,” she said.

France’s Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, reaffirmed his country’s support.

“France is Kenya’s first bilateral partner in this sector, and for more than two decades, we have invested together to improve lives. Today’s groundbreaking is not just about pipes and tanks; it is about dignity, health and opportunities for the people of Kisumu,” he said.

Governor Nyong’o hailed the project as a milestone in Kisumu’s transformation into a modern city.

“Our city has grown rapidly, and water demand has outpaced supply. This project is a game-changer that will not only increase coverage but also ensure equity in distribution, especially to underserved settlements. We are committed as a county to working hand in hand with the national government and our partners to make Kisumu a model city on Lake Victoria,” he said.