Sh4.5 billion Kigoro plant expected to reduce city residents’ water woes
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa said the Kigoro plant is part of a broader government agenda to improve water access across Kenya.
Nairobi's long-standing water shortages are expected to reduce following the commissioning of the Sh4.5 billion Kigoro Water Treatment Plant in Gatanga, Murang'a County.
The project, which is expected to provide a reliable water supply to over 1.2 million people in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, and Murang'a counties, marks a milestone in addressing water scarcity in Kenya's urban and peri-urban areas.
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The state-of-the-art facility was officially launched by Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa on Wednesday, alongside Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, the French Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships.
The project, a partnership between the Kenyan government and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), is part of the larger Northern Collector Tunnel System aimed at boosting Nairobi's water supply.
Mugaa said the Kigoro plant is part of a broader government agenda to improve water access across Kenya.
"Today, we honour a promise to millions of Kenyans — a promise of clean, safe, and sustainable water. This achievement is a beacon of what is possible when governments, development partners, and communities unite for a common purpose," he said.
The plant can treat 140 million litres of water daily, which will go a long way in addressing Nairobi's water deficit, which currently stands at about one million litres per day.
"This project is a showcase of innovation. With a compact design, automated monitoring, and in-house sodium hypochlorite production for disinfection, the Kigoro Water Treatment Plant represents a model of efficiency and modernity for the region," Mugaa said.
The Sh4.5 billion Kigoro Water Treatment Plant in Gatanga, Murang'a County. (Photo: Ministry of Water)
Soaring population
The CS highlighted the growing challenge of water scarcity in urban areas, particularly among Nairobi's rapidly expanding population.
"Water scarcity in urban areas remains a challenge due to the soaring population each year. In the metropolis, the demand is huge, and there are big gaps. This project will go a long way in addressing these gaps," he said.
The project was completed several months ago, and its commissioning is expected to significantly reduce water rationing in the Nairobi metropolitan area, which has struggled to meet demand.
Thani acknowledged the strong partnership between Kenya and France in advancing water and sanitation projects.
He credited French companies, including Suez and Sogea, for their innovative solutions that have contributed to the success of the Kigoro Water Treatment Plant.
Athi Water Works Development Agency Chairman Charles Karondo called the project "a monumental achievement" in Kenya's water infrastructure history.
He stated that the plant would serve as a model for future water projects across the region.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu also hailed the project, noting that it would bring significant benefits to locals who have long struggled to access clean water.
"This project will spur development in the area and better the livelihoods of my constituents, who have for years been fetching water from rivers," he said.
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