Siaya’s Transformation: Water, housing projects set to change lives

The national government has highlighted significant progress in Kenya Kwanza flagship projects in Siaya County.

The projects are aimed to boost infrastructure, access to clean water, and affordable housing for residents.

One of the key projects is the Ugunja Water Treatment Plant, located in Areka Village, Ugunja SubCounty, Siaya County, which is set to be commissioned soon.

According to the Interior Principal Secretary, Dr Raymond Omollo, whose office coordinates all government projects, the project was completed in December 2024.

Dr Omollo emphasized that the plant is designed to enhance access to clean and safe water for thousands of residents in Ugunja and its surrounding areas.

Ugunja Water Treatment Plant, located in Areka Village, Ugunja Sub-County, Siaya County, which is set to be commissioned soon/FAITH MATETE

At the heart of this initiative, he said, is an intake system with an 8,400 cubic metre treatment capacity, ensuring a steady supply of purified water.

"Currently the plant serves approximately 8,000 households, but once the last-mile connections are completed, the number will increase to more than 20,000."

Beneficiary areas include Ugunja Town, Rambula, Sigomere, and Madungu, with additional storage at Ligega Primary School, which extends coverage to Sega and Ukwala.

Beyond providing clean water, the plant also serves as a training hub for students from institutions such as Bondo and Rarieda Technical Institutes, Maseno University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, and KIWASI, providing hands-on experience in water treatment and management.

The facility features elevated steel storage tanks strategically positioned at Nyambiro (300m³), Yenga (300m³), St. Sylvester Anyiko (500m³), Mandungu (1,000m³) and a concrete ground tank at Got Osimo (1,500m³).

Within the county, in order to address the demand for housing, the government is implementing the Alego Usonga Affordable Housing Project.

The housing project is set to be a game-changer in the region's urban development, providing modern, affordable homes for residents.

Launched in April 2024, the project, PS Omollo said, is expected to be completed within 18 months and will deliver 882 units across six high-rise blocks.

"Works on four blocks have already reached the first-floor slab stage with formwork actively underway.".

The project, which has so far involved 230 workers, is expected to stimulate economic growth in the region.

The Interior PS reaffirmed that the initiative aligns with the Bottom Up Economic Agenda Transformation Agenda (BETA) and represents a bold vision for urban development, job creation, and economic empowerment in Siaya County.