Kilifi: The government is spearheading the construction of a Sh600 million solar power plant at the Baricho Water Works in Kilifi County to mitigate the escalating costs associated with pumping water, which currently range between Sh60 million and Sh70 million per month.
According to Kenya News Agency, Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary, Eng. Eric Mugaa, has confirmed that work on the solar power project has begun. Once completed, the initiative is expected to subsidize electricity costs and minimize frequent power outages from the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KP). Eng. Mugaa emphasized the urgency in completing the project to alleviate the financial burden of high KP electricity bills, which are currently shared by the Kilifi and Mombasa County Governments through their respective water companies.
During a visit to the Baricho Water Works in Malindi Sub County, Eng. Mugaa addressed the ongoing water crisis in Kilifi County, which has been exacerbated by the malfunctioning of two out of ten wells at the Baricho wellfield. Despite having a production capacity of 90 million litres daily, the facility is currently generating only 80 million litres due to maintenance requirements on the boreholes. Specialized cleaning equipment is being developed in Nairobi and is expected to be operational by the end of November.
Eng. Mugaa acknowledged that even with full capacity, the Baricho Water Supply cannot meet Kilifi County’s demand of 110 million litres per day. In response, the Coast Water Works Development Agency, along with Kilifi and Mombasa County Governments, plans to implement a predictable water rationing schedule within the next week.
The Cabinet Secretary also expressed optimism about the Mwache Dam project in Kwale County, which is 55 percent complete and anticipated to significantly address water shortages in Kilifi, Kwale, and Mombasa Counties. The completion of this project is expected to allow Baricho’s output to serve Kilifi County exclusively.
Eng. Mugaa urged consumers to fulfill their financial obligations by paying for water services, which will enable water companies to maintain operations. Additionally, the government, with support from the World Bank’s Water and Sanitation Services Improvement Project (WSTP), is enhancing water infrastructure in anticipation of increased supply.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro praised the solar power initiative at Baricho, a project he has supported since his tenure as Malindi Member of Parliament in 2007. Governor Mung’aro called for an increase in boreholes to meet the county’s water demand and assured residents of efforts to alleviate water shortages through efficient rationing and infrastructure development under the WSTP.
Governor Mung’aro also urged the public to avoid politicizing the water supply issues, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to resolving the situation. He highlighted ongoing efforts to lay water reticulation infrastructure, including the construction of pipelines and water tanks across the county.
