By YOANA KIMWELE.
Over the past two weeks, critics of Governor Julius Makau Malombe have raised concerns about the progress of the ambitious KANGU KANGU water scheme.This project, once completed, is expected to provide water to over 4 million residents in Kitui County, particularly in Kitui South.
In response to the uproar, the County Diary digital set out to assess the current status of the project, a journey that revealed a promising future for the region, the County Diary digital can authoritatively report.The County Diary team began their investigation with a visit to the Ministry of Water, where they were greeted by the dedicated Chief Officer Mr Nathan Vungo.
During a briefing, Dr. Vungo outlined the history of the KANGU KANGU project, which dates back to 2014. The journey to the water scheme’s source, located on the banks of the Athi River, took approximately two hours. Here, water is collected before being pumped to the treatment center at KANGU KANGU Hill.
The facility boasts two massive tanks with a capacity of one million liters, set to distribute treated water to various areas in Kitui South. The KANGU KANGU project, funded through a partnership between the Kitui County Government and World Vision, experienced setbacks when the project stalled in 2017.
However, under the renewed leadership of Governor Malombe, the initiative has seen a revival. Now, with almost 90 percent completion, according to county water engineer Mr Mutati and World Vision representatives, the project is approaching the final stages.
One of the key features of the scheme includes the establishment of a solar power plant to ensure a reliable energy source for pumping water from the Athi River to the treatment center. From this elevated point, water will utilize gravity to flow to a massive tank in Mutomo, facilitating distribution to communities in Mutomo, Ikutha, Kanziku, and parts of Mutha.
The Ministry of Water and Irrigation Chief Officer Nathan Vungo revealed that they are currently extending pipelines and conducting final checks to optimize the system. Vungo assured the press that by 2026, a specialized water company, Kitui South Water Company, will be established to manage and oversee water supply and governance in the region effectively.
Additionally, the ministry is constructing sub-wells throughout Kitui South to supplement the main water supply. This multi-faceted approach, with strong support from World Vision and the county government, aims to address the water scarcity that has plagued the region for decades.
The KANGU KANGU water scheme is poised to transform the lives of millions in Kitui South, offering a steady and reliable water source. As the project nears completion, it is expected to stand as a significant achievement in the county’s history, showcasing the power of partnership and dedicated governance under Governor Dr. Julius Makau Malombe’s leadership.
The coming months will be crucial as the final touches are applied, and Kitui County residents eagerly await the opening of this landmark project—a symbol of hope for a more water-secure future.
Raw Water stored here after pumping from the main source
Ongoing works at the water source///_
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