Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe on Friday commissioned the River Athi–Kangu Kangu–Mutomo–Ikutha–Kanziko–Mathima Water Project at Mutomo Market, marking a historic milestone in Kitui’s pursuit of universal access to safe and clean water.
The flagship project, first conceptualized in 2014 through a partnership between the County Government of Kitui and World Vision Kenya, consists of a 224-kilometre pipeline, 13 storage tanks, and 52 water kiosks. Once fully operational, it will serve more than 100,000 residents across Kitui South and parts of Kitui Rural, reaching schools, health facilities, and major trading centres.
Constructed at a cost of KShs. 840 million, the scheme was jointly financed with the County Government contributing 51.45% and World Vision Kenya covering 48.55%.
Governor Malombe hailed the project as a direct response to the constitutional right to water, Kenya Vision 2030, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and Kitui’s development blueprint.
“My government is committed to ensuring access to safe and clean water for all Kitui households, with water points located not more than two kilometres away and a turnaround time of no more than 45 minutes,” he said.
He further cited complementary county efforts, including borehole drilling, sump wells, earth dams, and sand dams, while urging residents to safeguard the new infrastructure against vandalism. The project will be managed by the Kitui Water and Sanitation Company (KITWASCO) to ensure sustainability.
The Governor also directed the County Minister for Water and Irrigation to work closely with KITWASCO and local administrations in Lower Yatta, Mutomo, and Ikutha to curb rising cases of vandalism.
Meanwhile, World Vision Kenya officially announced its exit from Mutomo after 18 years of partnership, a period that saw life-transforming projects implemented across Kitui South.
Speaking during the event, Kitui South MP Dr. Racheal Nyamai commended President William Ruto for prioritizing key national infrastructure in the region, particularly the proposed tarmacking of the Ikutha–Kanziko–Mutha–Mutomo road. She said the road project, once implemented, would boost connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
Dr. Nyamai also welcomed other ongoing national government projects, including rural electrification, the construction of the Mutomo Modern Market, and the Mutha Market shade, describing them as life-changing interventions for local residents.
She lauded Governor Malombe and World Vision for the successful delivery of the Kangu Kangu water project, terming it a game changer for thousands of households who have struggled with perennial water scarcity.
“The collaboration between the county government, national government, and development partners like World Vision has brought real progress to our people. I am committed to continue working with President Ruto to ensure Kitui South residents benefit fully from such projects,” said Dr. Nyamai.
The commissioning ceremony not only marked the culmination of nearly two decades of World Vision’s work in Mutomo but also ushered in a new chapter of development partnerships aimed at transforming Kitui South.
