KISUMU, Kenya — The Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company (KIWASCO) has launched a forward-looking Strategic Plan for the years 2023 to 2028, aimed at enhancing the provision of clean potable water and efficient wastewater management in the region. Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong'o, speaking at the launch, underscored the need for expanded access to clean water and the importance of addressing water losses through timely repair of leakages. The new strategic plan aligns with the County's Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) for 2023-2027 and is part of broader efforts to transform Kisumu into a leading intermediary city on the global stage.
According to Kenya News Agency, the plan is a critical component of his manifesto, emphasizing the provision of clean water and proper sewerage management as key promises to the people of Kisumu. The governor highlighted the initiative's potential to reduce the distance residents must travel to access water points, thereby improving the quality of life within the community.
The launch event, which also featured the commissioning of KIWASCO's new headquarters in Tom Mboya Estate, Kisumu City, was attended by notable figures including the Chief Guest Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. Odinga remarked on the fundamental importance of water to health and development, praising the county government's consolidation efforts in water and sanitation services.
KIWASCO's Managing Director, Tom Odongo, detailed the company's achievements since its inception in 2003, including increased water production capacity, the transition to ISO 9001:2015 certification, and the establishment of a Call Centre. The company's efforts in reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) from over 75 percent at inception to an average of 37.4 percent by June 2023 were particularly noted, highlighting the challenges of aging infrastructure and water theft.
The strategic plan outlines KIWASCO's commitment to addressing these challenges through the adoption of the latest technologies and the creation of a dedicated department to manage NRW. The plan also emphasizes the company's corporate social responsibility initiatives in the areas of environmental and climate action, ethics, and education, aiming to foster a community that is well-informed about water use, hygiene, and sanitation.
The launch of KIWASCO's Strategic Plan marks a significant milestone in Kisumu's journey towards improved water and sanitation services, with the company poised to make a lasting impact on the community's health, well-being, and economic prosperity.