Bungoma’s Sh600m water project to serve over 100,000 residents

Bungoma county in partnership with the Republic of Korea has commissioned a Sh600 million water project, KOICA II, that will see over 100,000 residents benefit.

The beneficiaries are residents from Mt Elgon, Kabuchai and Kanduyi subcounties.

The Chepyuk-Kibabii water project commissioned on Thursday by the South Korean Ambassador to Kenya, Yeo Sung-Jun, and Governor Kenneth Lusaka, will increase access to this basic commodity to residents in the region.

In the past, Bungoma was hit by water shortage due to mass deforestation in Mt Elgon forest.

Ambassador Sung-Jun in his address announced the commencement of the Korea International Cooperation Agency, KOICA III in 2025, to benefit Mt Elgon, Kimilili, Tongaren, Webuye East and Webuye West residents.

Lusaka said the water project marks a significant milestone in ensuring that residents get access to clean and safe water for the residents of Bungoma and its environs.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to the Republic of Korea for their unwavering support and partnership in implementing these transformative water projects, their commitment to improving the lives of the people globally is truly commendable,” Lusaka said.

Additionally, the county boss affirmed that the Chepyuk- Kibabii complex water project also known as KOICA II is not just an infrastructure development endeavour but is a lifeline for over 83,000 residents spread across Mt Elgon, Kabuchai and Kanduyi subcounties.

“The inception of this project in May 2021 has been a beacon of hope promising to give access to clean water, a fundamental human right, to thousands of households’ and communities in our county,” he said.

Moreover, as Bungoma celebrates the commissioning of this mega project today, it is imperative to acknowledge that it is not an isolated effort, it is a culmination of a series of collaboration and partnerships between government’s, international organisations and local communities.

“The success of this project exemplifies the power of unity and collective actions in addressing complex water challenges beyond the tangible benefits of improved health and sanitation, KOICA II has catalysed economic developments and social empowerments within our county,” Lusaka said.

The governor said by providing access to reliable water sources, communities are now able to engage in productive activities leading to increased income and enhanced livelihoods for the residents.

“With the completion of KOICA II the cumulative impact of KOICA I and II is expected to benefit many residents in the county and this demonstrates our steadfast commitments to ensuring the well-being and prosperity of our people,” Lusaka said.

He also announced continued support and collaborations that will enable Bungoma address the remaining water challenges facing the people, adding that in this regard, we are eagerly anticipating, the approval of the proposed Sossio-Kamukuywa-Tongaren-Webuye water project which will mark face three of our journey towards attaining water security and accessibility.

Hebert Kibunguchy, Bungoma County Executive Committee Member  for Environment, Water, Natural Resources, Tourism and Climate Change, said during construction of the water project, the Korean government also prepared a water for plan that shows Bungoma could attain 100 per cent clean water supply to the residents.

“In 2022, Bungoma was at 25 per cent provision of clean water to the residents. With this project we have moved to 36 per cent, the national average is 56 per cent,” he said, adding that they have already prepared a proposal for KOICA III.

“With the approval of KOICA III we shall be able to get close to 12,000 cubic meters of water per day,” he said. He added that KOICA I and II is now at 6,000 cubic metres.

The CEC confirmed that with the approval of KOICA III the Korean government will fund it at Sh 1.8 billion.