Gov’t Unveils Ksh10M Water Project to Tackle Rural Shortages in Uasin Gishu
“We realized, through community consultations, that water scarcity was seriously affecting learning and livelihoods,” LBDA Managing Director Wycliffe Ochiaga
CS Beatrice Askul Moe and LBDA Chair Wycliffe Ochiaga commission the Ksh10 million Chuchuniat Water Project in Kesses, Uasin Gishu
In a landmark initiative to tackle water shortages in Kenya’s rural regions, the government has unveiled a Ksh10 million water project at Chuchuniat Primary School in Uasin Gishu County. Spearheaded by the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), the project is set to provide thousands of residents with clean, safe, and consistent access to water.
CS Moe: ‘No One Should Suffer Alone’
Cabinet Secretary for ASALs and Regional Development, Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, presided over the commissioning ceremony, reaffirming the government’s commitment to underserved communities.
“This project is a significant step forward,” said CS Moe. “The challenges students have faced due to lack of water will now be a thing of the past. We understand the hardships endured by this community — especially our women, who have walked long distances in search of water. From now on, water will be available right here in the school and at the doorstep of thousands of homes.”
Kenya’s Rural Water Crisis
According to UNICEF’s 2022 data, nearly 50% of Kenya’s rural population lacks basic access to drinking water. Many families depend on contaminated surface water, which leads to frequent outbreaks of waterborne illnesses and impacts education and economic productivity.
MP Julius Ruto: A Game-Changer for Kesses
Kesses MP CPA Julius Ruto, who accompanied the CS during the event, praised the project’s transformative potential.
“This water will benefit students during the school day and serve families during the dry season when water becomes almost impossible to find,” said Ruto. “Women especially have suffered due to the lack of nearby water sources. I urge the Ministry to replicate such projects across more areas in Kesses.”
Community-Led Sustainability Model
LBDA Managing Director Wycliffe Ochiaga underscored the importance of community engagement and sustainability.
“We realized, through community consultations, that water scarcity was seriously affecting learning and livelihoods,” Ochiaga said. “Beyond infrastructure, we’ve trained a local Water Management Committee to ensure long-term sustainability.”
He added, “This project is about more than just water — it’s about health, education, and dignity.”
Health Impacts of Clean Water Access
Unsafe water is a major public health concern in rural Kenya. According to the World Health Organization, waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery are preventable through proper sanitation and clean water access. Children are particularly vulnerable, often missing school due to illness.
Education Gains for Local Schools
LBDA Board member Dr. Isaac Kogo noted that access to water will significantly improve education outcomes at Chuchuniat and beyond.
“Over 5,000 people will benefit directly, and many more indirectly,” said Dr. Kogo. “With clean water in place, students will stay in class, and teachers can focus on teaching rather than crisis management.”
“This is just the beginning,” CS Moe concluded. “We’re working toward a future where every village, school, and household has safe and sustainable water. Together, we will build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.”
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