The three-day training on Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Reduction and Culture Change Management for SIBOWASCO's Core Management, Key Management, Meter Readers, and Operations and Maintenance teams has successfully concluded. This critical training aimed to equip participants with effective NRW reduction strategies while fostering a shift towards a more proactive and solution-oriented work culture.
The discussions emphasized the urgent need to address water losses within the distribution system, which currently stands at an alarming 50%. Reducing NRW is essential to improving operational efficiency, ensuring that more residents—both in urban and rural areas—receive clean and reliable water. The initiative directly aligns with Governor James Orengo’s agenda to provide safe water access across Siaya County, reinforcing the county government’s commitment to sustainable water resource management.
During the training, participants identified key challenges contributing to high NRW levels, including dilapidated pipes, an aging water distribution network, the absence of pressure management tools, and an intermittent supply system. Addressing these challenges requires a strategic approach, including the installation of pressure-reducing valves, systematic leak detection, and a well-coordinated maintenance schedule.
These measures not only improve water supply efficiency but also enhance revenue maximization by reducing losses and increasing the amount of billed water. By implementing modern water management techniques, SIBOWASCO is positioning itself to better serve the community while strengthening its financial sustainability.
To drive this initiative forward, the company has set an ambitious but attainable goal: reducing NRW from 50% to 40% by the end of the year. This mission is encapsulated in their slogan, “Operation NRW at 40%,” which symbolizes the collective commitment of the management and field teams to tackle water losses.
Achieving this target will mean more revenue for SIBOWASCO, as a reduction in NRW translates to more water being accounted for and billed. This will ultimately enhance the company's ability to reinvest in infrastructure improvements, ensuring long-term sustainability and better service delivery in line with Siaya County’s broader development goals.
The training concluded with the formulation of a detailed action plan distributed across all schemes, with each unit pledging to take actionable steps in reducing NRW. This structured approach ensures accountability and clear progress tracking, fostering a culture of responsibility and continuous improvement within SIBOWASCO.
The company’s dedication to reducing water loss will not only support Governor Orengo’s mission to expand clean water access but will also create a financially stable water sector capable of meeting the growing demands of Siaya County’s residents. By integrating effective NRW management with a shift in organizational culture, SIBOWASCO is making significant strides toward a more sustainable and economically viable future.