Nairobi: Nandi County Government has partnered with the National Government and development partners to supply clean and reliable piped water to residents of Tinderet Sub County. The initiative is part of the last-mile water connectivity programme, aligning with the County’s long-term development blueprint.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative is integrated within broader national water reforms and is a priority under the Nandi County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027. This plan outlines a roadmap to achieving universal access to safe water, expanding distribution networks, and improving water management systems across the county. Eng. Samuel Kibet, County Executive Committee Member for environment and water resources, emphasized the alignment of ongoing projects with the CIDP to ensure equitable access to water.
The CIDP targets increased household water connectivity, rehabilitation of existing water schemes, development of new water sources, and strengthening institutional capacity in water service delivery. It prioritizes last-mile connectivity to ensure investments in bulk supply benefit residents at the household level. Kibet highlighted the importance of water access as a basic need and economic driver, stressing collaboration with the national government and development partners to expedite household connections.
Anne Njoroge, a Public Benefit Organisation official, emphasized the critical role of partnerships in driving the project forward, particularly in mobilizing resources and supporting community-level implementation. Njoroge expressed encouragement by the progress and commitment by stakeholders in aligning with the CIDP’s long-term plans.
Project engineer Eng. Peter Tanui noted the program’s progression, with pipeline installation and storage infrastructure works set to begin. The project involves constructing storage tanks, installing distribution pipelines, and metering systems to ensure efficient water supply, consistent with the CIDP’s focus on sustainable and efficient water systems.
Residents have welcomed the efforts as transformative. In Chemursoi village, Mary Jepchirchir expressed relief that the initiative brings hope to families who have struggled with water shortages for decades. Local farmer Kiprotich Langat anticipates improvements in health and economic outcomes, highlighting the project’s alignment with the CIDP’s goal of enhancing livelihoods through improved access to essential resources.
Community elder Joseph Ruto noted the restored confidence among residents who had long felt neglected, expressing gratitude for the government’s efforts. In Kaplelimet and Kabikwen areas, residents reported almost complete installation of storage tanks and pipelines, raising optimism for full connectivity.
Beatrice Chepkemoi, a teacher, highlighted the project’s potential to significantly improve learning conditions once water is fully connected, emphasizing its importance for sanitation and hygiene in schools. Health workers, including Nurse Daniel Kiptoo, lauded the initiative, stressing the critical role of reliable water supply in maintaining hygiene standards and preventing infections.
Despite challenges such as tough terrain and scattered homesteads slowing down connectivity in some areas, officials remain confident in completing the work within set timelines, aligning with the CIDP implementation framework. Kiptoo urged residents to support the project by safeguarding infrastructure and cooperating with implementation teams.
For residents long enduring water scarcity, the initiative symbolizes progress, dignity, and hope.