Busia among 8 counties to get Sh2.9bn USAID water projects

Busia is in the list of counties set to benefit from $24 million (about Sh2.9 billion) water projects.

The investments to be implemented by Western Kenya Water Project I will be financed by USAID in conjunction with eight counties.

Other counties to benefit from the project include Bungoma, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori and Siaya.

At least 500,000 people in the eight counties will access clean water once the projects are complete.

The funding for the development of the projects will run for five years until 2027.

Other partners set to play a critical role in actualising the investments include the Ministry of Health and the Water Services Regulatory Board.

On Tuesday, Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera hosted a delegation from WKWP in Busia. He assured officials from the organisation of Busia’s commitment in the implementation of the projects.

“I believe in systems that work for everyone and being so passionate about water, I have no doubt about the success of the Western Kenya Water Project l (WKWP) and many other projects that we are going to handle,” he said.

“I also want to thank you for considering Busia county to be among the beneficiaries.”

The main source of drinking water in the county, according to the County Integrated Development Plan 2022–2027, are boreholes which supply water to about 42 per cent of the population.

Other supplies come from rivers (19.1 per cent), springs (22.3 per cent) and piped water (12.5 per cent). Most of the water is not clean.

The WKWP team, led by deputy chief of party Calvince Odera, said the project will engage multiple stakeholders to increase sustained access to water services.

The investment will entail improving existing and building new systems to improve access to clean water in both urban and rural areas in Busia.

Odera met the team at a time access to water by residents of Busia is at 42 per cent, of which 81.6 per cent is improved water sources.

The main water sources in Busia are surface water, groundwater and run-off water.  The three main natural water suppliers in the county are the rivers Malakisi, Nzoia and Sio.

There is also supply coming from protected springs, wells and rural piped schemes.

Lake Victoria is an important source of water for the county, although its potential has not been tapped to the benefit of residents.

Edited by A.N