By Matilda Atieno
The County Government of Kisumu today joined the global community in commemorating World Water Day 2026 at Sondu in Nyakach Sub-County, marking a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable water development and social equity. Under the timely theme of Water and Gender, the celebration highlighted the profound link between water access and the empowerment of women and girls. Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili, representing Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, led a high-level delegation to underscore the county’s commitment to ensuring that where water flows, equality grows.
The festivities centered on the relaunch and commissioning of the upgraded Sondu Maji Safi Water Project, a Safe Water Enterprise (SWE) that has undergone a transformative overhaul to meet the growing needs of the community. Originally established in 2016 through a partnership between the County Government, SWAP, Siemens Stiftung, and the SkyJuice Foundation, the project was a vital response to the contaminated water of River Sondu, which had historically caused frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera. While it initially served as a successful stop-gap intervention for 500 households, the project eventually faced challenges including high river turbidity that caused pump failures and an unreliable power grid.
The recent interventions, described by Dr. Stephen Njuguna of Siemens Stiftung as a transition toward a more reliable and professionalized technical system, have drastically improved efficiency. Water production has increased tenfold from 2 cubic meters per day to 20 cubic meters, facilitated by a new 33-foot-deep sump and a modern reservoir system. The installation of a hybrid power system and a water ATM ensures both energy reliability and transparent revenue collection for long-term sustainability. These upgrades mean that safe water is now accessible 24/7, better aligning the facility with the community’s daily needs.
Addressing the residents at Sondu, Dr. Owili emphasized that water scarcity is a burden disproportionately borne by women and girls, who often sacrifice education and economic opportunities to trek long distances for the precious commodity. He noted that by bringing safe and reliable water closer to households, the county is directly investing in the dignity, health, and leadership potential of its female population. This sentiment was echoed by the CECM for Water, Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, Hon. Judith Aluoch, who highlighted the department’s focus on climate-resilient infrastructure.
The event was graced by a diverse assembly of leaders and partners, including South East Nyakach MCA Hon. Owade Patrick Lumumba and Kisumu North MCA Hon. Samuel Dede, who chairs the Water Committee at the County Assembly. The collaborative nature of the project was further evidenced by the participation of representatives from Siemens Stiftung, SWAP, Rural Water Management Solutions, Care Kenya, the Kisumu WASH-ECC Network, KIWASCO, and the Kenya Water Institute. Dr. Njuguna highlighted that the success in Sondu provides a strong foundation for scaling this model, with plans already underway to implement similar upgrades at the Korumba SWE, including the rehabilitation of Kosida Spring and the solarization of its systems.
Following the main ceremony at Sondu, the entourage visited an ongoing water project at Achego Primary School. This visit highlighted the administration’s specific focus on school-based water solutions, ensuring that learners have access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation facilities. Chief Officer for Water Mr. Fredrick Osewe noted that such projects are vital for keeping children in school and reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases within the learning environment.
The day’s activities also included a symbolic tree-planting exercise, reminding residents of the inseparable link between environmental conservation and water security. As the celebrations concluded, the message remained clear that the transformation of the Sondu water system serves as a scalable model for other communities. By integrating technical innovation with community engagement and gender-sensitive planning, Kisumu County continues to build a resilient future where every citizen, regardless of gender, can thrive through the reliable flow of safe water.
