Sh840m Kitui water project dream come true, says Governor Malombe

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe and World Vision Kenya country director Gilbert Kamanga commission the Kangu kangu water project on Friday /Musembi Nzengu

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe at one of the Kangu Kangu project public water kiosks during the launch on Friday /Musembi Nzengu

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe has commissioned the Sh840 million Kangu Kangu water project in Kitui South, describing it as a long-awaited dream come true.

“I am delighted to be here at Mutomo market today on the occasion of commissioning of this project to address the challenges faced by the people of Kitui in accessing adequate, safe, and clean water,” he said.

The governor recalled that during his 2013 campaigns, he pledged to provide a reliable source of water for the residents of the water-scarce Kitui South subcounty. He noted that his dream had finally been realised through a partnership between his administration and World Vision Kenya.

Addressing a large crowd at the Mutomo airstrip during the launch, Malombe said the project will provide clean and safe water to over 100,000 residents.

He explained that he had officiated the launch of the project’s construction on August 22, 2014, at Kamutei market in Athi ward during his first term as governor. However, the project stalled after he lost the 2017 election, only to resume following his re-election in 2022.

The governor, who was joined by World Vision Kenya country director Gilbert Kamanga, announced that residents of Athi, Mutomo, Kanziko, Mutha, and Ikutha wards in Kitui South, as well as Kanyangi ward in Kitui Rural, would benefit from the project.

The investment totaled Sh840,061,035, with Sh432,226,217 contributed by the county government of Kitui and Sh407,834,818 from World Vision Kenya.

Malombe urged residents to protect the project from vandalism, which he said had in the past frustrated its functionality. He emphasised that the facility would be managed by the Kitui Water and Sanitation Company to ensure sustainability.

“My government is committed to ensuring access to safe and clean water for all Kitui households, with water points located not more than two kilometers apart,” he said.

The governor also highlighted complementary efforts, including borehole drilling, construction of sump wells, earth dams, and sand dams across the county, as part of his administration’s broader water access strategy.