By Esther Kihanya
In the midst of jubilations and singing in the village of Komothai ward, a symbol of progress arrives: two massive 10,000-litre water tanks, delivered by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
For the residents, this delivery is not just about water; it is about a promise fulfilled.
“Today I would like to say I will have water in my house thanks to the governor, may he continue
doing what he promised the people,” Mary Kamau from Komothai Ward expresses her gratitude.
This scene sums up the essence of Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s campaign promise—to transform
Kiambu and ensure that every household has access to clean, piped water through his ‘Maji
Nyumbani’ initiative.
But has he kept his word?
Under Governor Wamatangi’s leadership, Kiambu County has witnessed substantial investments in
water infrastructure. Over 150 kilometres of network pipes and more than 60 water tanks have been
procured and delivered, facilitating more than 10,000 water connections to serve over 15,000
households.
“The governor’s vision is not to leave any person behind in water accessibility,” emphasises CECM David Kuria.
He noted that over 20 boreholes will be drilled in the next few months.
The impact of these initiatives is palpable. John Njoroge, a resident of Gathanji, recounts how he no
longer needs to buy water from neighbours since being connected to Githunguri water. “I used to
buy water at my neighbour’s shallow well, but now I am glad I can open my tap and drink my own
clean water,” he says.
Moreover, the government’s commitment extends beyond immediate solutions. Governor
Wamatangi’s administration is drilling boreholes across every sub-county, with over five boreholes
already operational and more in the pipeline.
“The department is currently procuring more pipes to be distributed to water companies,” says
Jennifer Kasyoki, the Chief officer in the Department.
But the governor’s ambitions don’t stop there. In recent weeks, he has launched boreholes in various
sub-counties, including Lari DDC, Njiku in Kiambaa, and Gatuanabu in Kabete, aiming to connect
even more residents to clean water.
Furthermore, in collaboration with the national government, Governor Wamatangi has secured
funding to expand the capacity of the Karemenu Dam—an investment of Kshs 5.7 billion that will
benefit not only Kiambu but also neighbouring areas like Ruiru, Juja and Thika, addressing long-
standing water shortages in the region.
However, the journey towards comprehensive development involves addressing not just water
accessibility but also sanitation and waste management. As urbanisation increases, so does the need for effective waste management infrastructure.
Recognising this, the county government is committed to expanding sanitation and waste
management facilities in all urban and peri-urban areas, a crucial step as Thika aims to transition into a city.
Governor Wamatangi’s efforts to fulfil his promises of transforming Kiambu and ensuring water
accessibility have yielded tangible results.
From infrastructure investments to borehole drilling and securing funding for dam expansion, his
administration has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of Kiambu
residents.