Members of Parliament have raised serious concerns over non-functional and incomplete water projects in Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, and Bomet counties, despite significant public funds being allocated.
The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy challenged the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Authority (LVSWWDA) to address dry taps and stalled projects after reviewing audit reports spanning the 2018/2019 to 2024/2025 financial years.
During a recent session, LVSWWDA CEO Jackline Kemunto acknowledged that some water facilities became inoperative due to power disconnections and equipment failures linked to poor maintenance. She noted that contractors had been contacted to carry out necessary repairs.
However, MPs remain dissatisfied with the lack of value for money. Committee Chairperson and Pokot South MP David Pkosing highlighted a Sh2.2 million borehole at Kikimirai Central Primary School in Bomet County that yielded no water, despite prior hydrogeophysical surveys and payments exceeding Sh1 million.
Pkosing criticized the apparent failure to conduct adequate site surveys before drilling, calling it a serious oversight that violates the Public Finance Management Act’s requirement for efficient use of public funds.
The committee also flagged other issues including stalled water supply projects, non-functional boreholes near dispensaries, and boreholes lacking proper equipment.
Key demands and next steps:
- The Authority must submit a comprehensive progress report detailing corrective measures.
- Urgent remedial action is required to guarantee affected communities reliable access to safe water.
- MPs insisted on regular follow-up to ensure accountability and project completion.
Kemunto reiterated the government’s constitutional obligation to provide safe and adequate water, promising short-term pump servicing while longer-term fixes are pursued.
