Mwea:Residents of Kirinyaga County have experienced a significant decline in water-related diseases, thanks to the Mwea-Makima Water Project. The initiative has led to a 63% reduction in diarrhea cases, as families transition from using contaminated irrigation canals to clean and safe water supplies.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project, spearheaded by the Kirinyaga County government, now provides clean water to approximately 30,000 people in over 7,500 households across several wards, including Gathigiriri, Nyangati, Thiba, Mutiithi, Wamumu, and Tebere. This development marks a major improvement for communities previously relying on water from rice irrigation canals, which posed health risks due to agricultural chemical contaminants.
Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru emphasized her administration’s commitment to improving water access, with investments in pipelines, storage tanks, and boreholes. She highlighted that over 200 water projects have been completed during her tenure, aiding in hygiene and sanitation improvements across the county. Waiguru also pledged to complete ongoing projects worth Sh100 million in Mwea before her term ends.
During an impact assessment of the project, County Executive Committee Member for Water, Kinyua Mutugi, noted the longstanding challenges families faced in accessing clean water. The project addresses these issues by extending services to various areas, including Rurii, Mutiithi Town, Maendeleo, and others, providing a reliable source of clean water.
Kirinyaga County Director of Public Health Peter Irungu reported that from the 2018/19 financial year to 2025/26, diarrhea cases in Mwea dropped from 19,061 to 6,900, underlining the project’s success. He stressed the importance of investing in safe water and sanitation to prevent diseases, particularly among vulnerable children.
Residents like Henry Mugo, a hotel operator in Tebere Ward, expressed satisfaction with the access to clean water, noting its positive impact on both businesses and households. John Kaboco of Nyangati also shared the sentiment, recalling past struggles with water access and the project’s transformative effect on the community.
