Group deepens commitment to clean water in Vihiga County, Kenya

Group deepens commitment to clean water in Vihiga County, Kenya

The County of Vihiga in Western Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday with The Water Project, a U.S.-based NGO that builds sustainable water projects, to bring clean, safe, and reliable water to the Vihiga County communities.

“The signing of the MOU represents a continuation of the strong working relationship between Vihiga County Government and The Water Project, acknowledging our joint mission to provide water access to the communities of Vihiga, to ensure the long-term sustainability of WASH infrastructure, and to build and share knowledge among sector actors,” explained Emma Kelly, Programme Manager at The Water Project.

The Water Project’s involvement in Western Kenya dates back more than a decade. The organization collaborates with communities to monitor and maintain nearly 1,300 water projects implemented across the region, led by and through local staff and network partners such as the Western Water and Sanitation Forum (WEWASAFO) and Friends of Timothy Foundation (FOTF).

These water projects will benefit approximately 450,000 people.

“Water is one of our top priorities,” said Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo, Governor of Vihiga County.

The collaboration [with The Water Project] envisions implementing interventions to provide Vihiga residents with water and sanitation facilities.”

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The Water Project is aiming for complete water and sanitation coverage in its service areas, starting with Vihiga’s Hamisi sub-county. Borehole drilling, well rehabilitation, natural spring protection, rainwater harvesting, sanitation facility provision, and hygiene promotion are all part of the organization’s water and sanitation programmes for vulnerable communities and institutions.

The Water Project completed a mapping exercise in 2022 that identified 16,021 public and private water points in various states of use in order to understand the true scope of work required to provide basic water coverage to all residents. The organization will publish the results of this work later this year, as the region’s long-term plans come into focus.

“We’re excited and humbled to be able to continue and greatly deepen our commitment to the people of Western Kenya as we provide access to clean, safe and reliable water to those who today suffer needlessly without it,” said Peter Chasse, President & Founder of The Water Project.

Vihiga County is located in Kenya’s western region. Luanda, Emuhaya, Hamisi, Sabatia, and Vihiga are the county’s five sub-counties.

The Water Project, a non-profit organization based in the United States with regional headquarters in Kakamega, Kenya, unlocks human potential by providing dependable water projects to communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Group deepens commitment to clean water in Vihiga County, Kenya

Kenya