In a vibrant display of innovation and commitment to service excellence, the Siaya Bondo Water and Sanitation Company (SIBOWASCO) took part in the pre-devolution innovation exhibition conference held today at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya Town.
This event, a prelude to the highly anticipated 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County in August, provided SIBOWASCO with a platform to showcase technologies that have transformed water service delivery across the six sub-counties.
As the licensed water service provider in the region, SIBOWASCO demonstrated how its forward-thinking approach aligns seamlessly with the conference’s theme of technology and innovation, earning accolades for its contributions to devolution and community empowerment.
Under the visionary leadership of the company's Managing Director, CPA Isaiah Adipo, SIBOWASCO has embraced transformative technologies to enhance service delivery. “Our commitment to innovation is at the heart of our operations,” Mr. Adipo stated. “By adopting innovations, we are not only improving access to clean water but also ensuring sustainability and transparency for our customers,” he added.
The company’s showcase featured technologies designed to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction, positioning SIBOWASCO as a leader in the water sector. At the forefront of SIBOWASCO’s innovations is its adoption of green energy solutions, which underscores the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
The Hareka and Yala water treatment plants now utilize hydro-turbines, while the Olago and Abura treatment plants are powered by solar energy. These renewable energy sources ensure reliable and continuous water production, even during power outages, guaranteeing uninterrupted service for Siaya’s residents. The Yala treatment plant, a shining example of this innovation, boasts an impressive daily production capacity of 19,000 m³, meeting the growing demand for clean water across the county.
By integrating green energy, SIBOWASCO not only reduces its carbon footprint but also sets a benchmark for sustainable water management. These initiatives ensure that the company remains resilient in the face of energy challenges, providing a stable supply of clean water to communities while protecting the environment for future generations.
SIBOWASCO’s commitment to digitization has revolutionized its billing and payment systems, fostering transparency and building customer trust.
In partnership with GOSOFT Company, SIBOWASCO has introduced smart meters that provide real-time data on water consumption. These meters ensure accuracy in billing, eliminate discrepancies, and empower customers to monitor their usage, aligning with the company’s core value of transparency. “Our smart metering system allows customers to have confidence in their bills, knowing exactly how much water they are using,” explained the MD.
Additionally, SIBOWASCO has implemented an end-to-end Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to streamline billing and revenue collection. This digital transformation has enhanced efficiency and reduced operational costs, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to improve service delivery. The company is also piloting pre-paid meters, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at helping customers manage their water usage and prevent the accumulation of debt.
By embracing these technologies, SIBOWASCO is setting a new standard for accountability and customer-centric service in the water sector.
SIBOWASCO’s success is underpinned by its robust culture of professionalism and innovation. The company employs qualified engineers and leverages advanced tools, such as Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, to optimize service delivery. GIS technology enables SIBOWASCO to efficiently locate customers, detect bursts and leakages, and respond promptly to service issues. This proactive approach has significantly reduced non-revenue water (NRW) to 43%, with the company aiming to further lower it to 41% in the near future.
To ensure customer satisfaction, SIBOWASCO conducted a comprehensive customer identification survey, gathering valuable feedback to improve services. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to listening to its customers and addressing their needs, further solidifying its reputation as a trusted service provider.
SIBOWASCO’s influence extends beyond Siaya County, as it serves as a mentor in the Water Services Regulatory Board’s (WASREB) eco-rural water projects.
The company is currently actively working to license 25 rural water schemes in collaboration with the County's Department of Water, Environment, Irrigation, Climate Change, and Natural Resources.
By regulating these schemes, SIBOWASCO ensures that rural communities have access to high-quality water, protecting consumers from exploitation by private providers and increasing water coverage across the region. This initiative aligns with Governor James Orengo’s Nyalore Manifesto, which prioritizes sustainable development and equitable access to water resources.