By Yoga David
DG Mathew Owili at the launch alongside CECM Water & Environment, Judith Oluoch and SOS Villages National Director Walter Odhiambo/ Photos by Collins Owuor
The County Government of Kisumu, in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Kenya and Davis Shirtliff, has launched and commissioned a Ksh 4.9 million community water project and treatment plant at Bar Ogwal Primary School in Kisum West. Bringing renewed hope to families and children in the area.
Speaking during the launch on Friday, Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili lauded the initiative as a transformative step that will ease the burden of water scarcity in the community.
He conveyed Governor Anyang Nyong’os goodwill message, emphasizing the administration’s continued commitment to strengthening social services and protecting children’s rights in the county.
“ For our children here in Bar Ogwal and the surrounding areas, this project will transform their daily lives: it means fewer hours wasted trekking long distances in search of water, reduced risk of waterborne diseases that so often keep children away from school, and more time focused on learning and growing.” DG Owili said.
The Deputy Governor commended SOS Children’s Villages Kenya for decades of dedication to vulnerable children and families since its establishment in 1973.
He noted their impact across Kisumu West, Kisumu Central, Kadibo and Nyando. He also appreciated Davis and Shirtliff for their vital contribution to making the water project a reality.
Highlighting the challenges facing Kisumu;s young population Dr Owili cited low school completion rates and rising child neglect cases as urgent concerns.
“Nearly 46.6% of Kisumu’s population are children. Yet, many of them continue to face stark challenges. School completion rates remain worryingly low, with only a third of our children completing secondary education and just over seven percent advancing to tertiary level.” DG Owiili said.
Dr Owili added “Even more concerning, nearly half of all reported child abuse cases in our county are linked to neglect. These are not just statistics; they represent real children, real families, and real communities whose lives are shaped by the challenges we have spoken about”
He also talked of the county;s efforts in strengthening policy frameworks such as the Kisumu Child Protection Policy , GBV Policy, Youth Development Policy and the ECD Act, alongside scaling up social protection programs and investing in water, sanitation and hygienic infrastructure.
The Deputy Governor called for greater partnerships to replicate the Bar Ogwal success story across the county.
“ Let us see this project not as an end in itself, but as a beginning, a reminder of what we can achieve when the government, partners, and communities come together in unity of purpose.” said DG Owili
“It challenges us to replicate this success in other parts of the county, to ensure that every child, in every village, has access to the basic services that uphold their dignity and unlock their potential.” he added.
The launch event was attended by CECM Water & Environment, Judith Oluoch, SOS Villages National Director Walter Odhiambo, development partners and members of the local community.
