The Government of Kenya has commissioned the Sh 4.5 billion (about USD 35 million) Kigoro Water Treatment Plant in Gatanga, Murang’a County, a critical infrastructure project designed to alleviate water shortages in the Nairobi Metropolitan region, informs the Kenya News Agency. The facility is part of the 4th Nairobi Water Supply Projects, a transformative initiative expected to improve access to clean water for over 1.2 million people across Murang’a, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, and Kajiado counties.
Funded jointly by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Kenyan Government, the plant will treat 140 million litres of water daily. Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Mugaa highlighted the project's advanced features, including compact design, SCADA automation for real-time monitoring, and in-house sodium hypochlorite production for water disinfection.
“Water scarcity in urban areas remains a challenge due to the soaring population each year. In the metropolis, the demand is huge and there are big gaps,” said Mugaa. “This project is part of the huge government agenda of coming up with water projects to address these demand gaps.” The plant's infrastructure, managed by the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA), is expected to significantly reduce the region's water deficit of approximately one million litres daily.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, France’s Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships, who praised the collaboration between Kenya and France in the water sector. He also acknowledged the contributions of French firms SUEZ and SOGEA in delivering innovative solutions for the project.
AWWDA Chairman Charles Karondo lauded the plant as a landmark achievement in Kenya’s water infrastructure, while Gatanga MP Edward Muriu emphasized its potential to boost local economic development and improve livelihoods by reducing reliance on river water.
The Kigoro Water Treatment Plant marks a significant milestone in Kenya's efforts to enhance water security and modernize infrastructure for sustainable urban development.
