By Brenda Holo
Siaya County's quest to expand access to clean and safe water has received a major boost following the official site handover for the Ugunja Last Mile Connectivity Project, a strategic investment that will bring piped water closer to households, institutions and businesses in Ugunja, Sega and Ukwala towns.
The Last Mile Connectivity Project, a flagship initiative jointly financed by the County Government of Siaya and the National Government, seeks to expand access to reliable water and sanitation services through modern infrastructure while strengthening water service delivery across Kenya's urban centres.
The ongoing phase represents the final and most critical link in the investment chain, connecting consumers to the already completed bulk water infrastructure and ensuring the benefits of the flagship project reach households.
In a unique approach to sustainable water production, the scheme also incorporates three hydroturbines that will generate renewable energy, significantly reducing electricity costs while ensuring uninterrupted water production.
Speaking during the site handover meeting, Siaya Bondo Water and Sanitation Company (SIBOWASCO) Managing Director CPA Isaiah Adipo said the implementation will focus on delivering value for money while enhancing customer satisfaction. He noted that preliminary implementation plans have been carefully developed to ensure new water connections reach areas where residents stand to benefit the most, maximizing the impact of the investment and improving service delivery across the county.
Chief Officer for Water and Irrigation Hon. Judith Oyugi described the Last Mile Connectivity project as a major National Government investment that complements Siaya County's efforts to expand access to clean water. She noted that although the project directly targets Ugunja Sub-County, its impact will significantly contribute to addressing the county's broader water challenges.
"Water remains one of the most emotive issues affecting our people. This investment will solve a significant fraction of the water challenge, particularly in Ugunja," she said.
The Last Mile Connectivity project aligns with Governor James Orengo's Nyalore Manifesto, which identifies expanded access to clean and safe water as a key pillar for improving public health, stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Through continued investment in water infrastructure and stronger collaboration with the National Government and development partners, the County Government is working towards increasing access to reliable water services across all six sub-counties.
Upon completion, Last Mile Connectivity project is expected to increase household water connections, reduce the distance residents travel in search of water, and unlock new opportunities for businesses, education and improved public health in Ugunja, Sega and Ukwala.
The site handover meeting was also attended by technical officers from SIBOWASCO, representatives of the Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency, the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, and officials from Shaanxi Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Group Co.