By Arnold Ageta
Governor Amos Nyaribo has today signed a partnership with the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) to install solar energy systems aimed at enhancing water supply across Nyamira County.
Governor Nyaribo stated that the project, which is set to be commissioned by the President during his next visit to the county, will help reduce the heavy electricity bills that currently hamper continuous water supply.
Addressing the media after a consultative meeting held at the County Headquarters, the Governor emphasized the urgent need to make the water utility sustainable through strategic investments in green energy.
The project will be spearheaded by the newly established Nyamira Water and Sewerage Company (NYAWASCO) following its recent separation from the Gusii Water and Sanitation Company (GWASCO).
“For a water company to operate effectively, we must address the cost of power. Electricity is expensive, and that is why we are focusing on the solarization of our water pumps,” the Governor said.
Governor Nyaribo noted that the County is working closely with LVSWWDA to ensure the project begins immediately.
He added that plans are also underway to establish a sewerage system in Nyamira Town, with feasibility studies expected to guide its implementation.
Regarding the transition from GWASCO, the Governor confirmed that the County Government has begun settling inherited outstanding bills.
NYAWASCO will manage these payments, starting with an initial installment of approximately KSh 20 million.
He further revealed that the utility is currently recruiting a Managing Director and a technical team to strengthen operations and ensure long-term viability.
The County will provide land for the solarization project, which is expected to commence once final cost estimates—projected between KSh 300 million and KSh 400 million—are confirmed.
LVSWWDA Chief Executive Officer, Jackline Kemunto Momanyi, noted that although the Nyamira water supply system was completed several years ago, it has never been officially commissioned.
“We are here to assess the current state of the utility and prepare it for commissioning, especially ahead of the President’s visit,” she announced.
Ms. Momanyi disclosed that the agency has already awarded a KSh 169 million tender for rehabilitation and last-mile connectivity to improve water access across Nyamira Town. These works will include addressing siltation challenges and repairing non-functional pumps.
She highlighted high electricity costs and frequent outages as primary obstacles, noting that solarization will significantly reduce operational expenses. An initial allocation of KSh 150 million is expected to kickstart the solar transition.
Furthermore, Ms. Momanyi pointed out that Nyamira remains one of the few counties without a sewerage system.
She revealed that proposals have been submitted to potential financiers and will be finalized once funding is secured.
The meeting was also attended by County Secretary Dr. Jack Magara, CEC for Water Alice Manoti, CEC for Finance Stephen Oboso, and the NYAWASCO Board, led by Chair Eng. Dr. Lugard Ogaro.
