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Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO) today conducted an official handover of office of the Managing Director, as Eng. Michael Ogol concluded his tenure and formally handed over responsibilities to CPA Eric Wabuyabo, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.

The handover was witnessed by the BOD of Directors led by Chairman Mr. Boaz Odemu Bulimu, the Chief Officer for Water, Dr. Mariam Were, the Chairpersons of Board Committees and the Core Management Team. 

Speaking during the engagement, the Chairman of the BOD, Mr. Boaz Odemu Bulimu, commended Eng. Ogol for his commitment, professionalism, and contribution to the Company’s progress, noting that his leadership has laid a strong foundation for continued growth. He also expressed confidence in CPA Eric Wabuyabo, citing his capability to provide steady leadership and ensure continuity in operations.

In his remarks, Eng. Micheal Ogol expressed appreciation to the BOD, management, and staff for their support throughout his tenure, noting that it had been an honor to serve KACWASCO. He conveyed confidence in the Company’s future and its continued commitment to delivering quality services.

Taking up the role in an acting capacity, CPA Eric Wabuyabo appreciated the trust placed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with the BOD, Management and staff to sustain momentum, enhance service delivery, and build on the gains achieved.

The Chief Officer for Water, Dr. Miriam Were, acknowledged Eng. Ogol’s contribution to the water sector and extended her best wishes as he concludes his tenure. She also welcomed CPA Eric Wabuyabo to the role, assuring him of the County Government’s support in advancing water and sanitation service delivery.

KACWASCO remains committed to ensuring seamless operations and the continued provision of safe, reliable, and efficient water and sanitation services to the people of Kakamega County.

Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO) has officially welcomed its new Technical Manager, Eng. Jesse Ambundo, during a formal introduction session attended by the Core Management Team (CMT) and key management staff. The meeting was chaired by the Managing Director, Eng. Michael Ogol, and was graced by the Chair of the Board of Directors, Mr. Boaz Odemu Bulimu, who represented the BOD.

In his remarks, Eng. Michael Ogol welcomed Eng. Ambundo to the Company and expressed confidence in his ability to steer the Technical Department towards enhanced operational performance and service delivery. He urged the management team to accord the new Technical Manager full cooperation and support, noting that teamwork and collective responsibility will be key in achieving the Company’s strategic objectives and set performance targets.Eng. Jesse Ambundo expressed gratitude to the BOD and Management for the warm reception and the trust placed in him.

He affirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with the team to strengthen technical operations, improve efficiency, and facilitate the growth of the Company. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, accountability, and hard work in delivering results and meeting organizational targets.On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mr. Boaz Odemu Bulimu welcomed Eng. Ambundo and emphasized the strategic importance of his role in restoring KACWASCO to top national performance, with key focus on reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW), timely project completion, and operational efficiency. He further appreciated the Ag. Technical Manager, Mr. Bush Orondo, for steering the department during the transition period.

KACWASCO football team has qualified for semi finals of the ongoing Water Companies Sports Organisation (WASCO) championship in Kisumu City County.

Kakamega won their second match without kicking a ball today after their opponents Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company failed to show up for the championship that has brought together all Water Companies drawn from all over the country.

The result saw Kakamega top Group B and book a ticket for the semi finals.

During their opening match on Monday, they humiliated ELDOWAS (Eldoret) 4-0 thereby showing their intention of winning the title.

“We have a direct ticket to the semis because Mombasa have not turned out for the tournament. We are now top in Group B,” said Benard Wandere, the Team Manager.

He noted that they will face off with Group D leader in the semis slated for tomorrow (Wednesday).

Group D has Embu, Ruiru, Kisumu and Taita Taveta water supply companies.

“We will be at the finals. We are committed towards lifting the trophy this year,” he said.

Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO) Acting CEO Christabel Ashiono has said the Company is committed to reducing revenue loss through non revenue water.

She said non revenue water activities like illegal connections, pipe bursts, water theft and spillage continue to pose a challenge to Water Service Providers (WSP) across the country.

She was speaking during the official opening ceremony of Water Companies Sports Organisation (WASCO) games at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu County.

The ceremony was graced by Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon Eugene Wamalwa as the Chief Guest.

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The CEO urged all stakeholders in the water sector to collaborate in a bid to reduce water and revenue loss as per this year’s theme; reducing non revenue water through community engagement and sports.

“I call upon all stakeholders especially partners to support Water Service Providers in the area of non revenue water to reduce it to below 20%. This will help the water companies reduce water loss and improve on supply of the commodity to users and revenue collection,” said Ms Ashiono.

She appreciated the Governor H.E Dr Wycliffe Oparanya for supporting KACWASCO to meets its mandate of supplying water to its consumers.

“I am grateful to our Governor for the immense support that has seen the Company deliver on its mandate without hitches,” she said.

She asked Water companies to embrace benchmarking as a way of interacting and sharing ideas on enhancing service delivery.

“I want to thank the CS Wamalwa for his passion , commitment and dedication towards supporting WASCO games and water service providers and championing water matters in the country,” the CEO said.

She added; “At the end of this tournament everybody will emerge a champion.”

CS Wamalwa urged Water Service Providers to develop measures and also engage the community on ways of reducing non revenue water.

“It is regrettable that we cannot account for 47% of water we harvest which is lost through non revenue water activities yet our country has scarcity of water. We should learn from Nyeri County on the policies and measures they have put in place resulting to reduced non revenue water to 16%,” said Wamalwa who was accompanied by CAS for Water and Sanitation Mr Andrew Tuimur.

KACWASCO Acting CEO Madam Christabel Ashiono this afternoon flagged off the team which will represent the Company during WASCO games in Kisumu starting tomorrow. The Company will only take part in football.

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“Time to show the results for your proper preparations is now here. Go for the trophy and nothing else,” said Madam Ashiono.

She asked the players and other staff who will attend the games to maintain high discipline and fly the flag of the Company high. “Make KACWASCO proud by winning the title. You can only do that if you are disciplined, focused and work hard,” she said.

The CEO said she will personally grace some of the games to give moral support to the team.

“I will be there personally to cheer you up. Don’t let me down. Win the title to make the Company proud,” she noted.

The team will play its opening match tomorrow at Kisumu Polytechnic. They last won the trophy in 2018 during WASCO games in Mombasa.

Human Resource Manager Madam Linet Wasaba and Sports Committee Chairman Mr Benard Wandere were present.

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Governor Dr FCPA Wycliffe Oparanya has launched the Ksh 17.2 million Decentralized Waste Water Treatment Facility in Mumias town.

He said the facility will help in handling waste water which has been a challenge to the town.

“I thank Water Sector Trust Fund for funding this project that will address the challenge of waste water in Mumias,” said Dr Oparanya.

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He said the facility will serve at least 2,300 households in Mumias.

He noted that it is expensive to construct a sewerage system and the waste water treatment facility will offer an alternative.

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“It will cost us at least Ksh 2 billion to construct the sewerage system in Mumias. However, with such facilities we have an alternative. We need three more in Mumias to solve the issue of waste water management,” he said.

He noted that under the project WSTF also constructed 200 toilets in low income areas within Mumias town.

Mr Willis Ombayi, CEO Water Sector Trust Fund said his organization is committed to working with the devolved units to enhance water supply services and improving on sanitation.

He said apart from the Ksh 17.2 million facility, they have also given the County Ksh 65.2 million to cushion it from the effects of Covid-19.

“Recently we signed a partnership with KACWASCO to fund Malava water project at a cost of Ksh 19.8 million. We are grateful for the support and cooperation we get from the County,” said Mr Ombayi.

CECM for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Madam Rhodah Masaviru said the facility is the first of its kind in the County.

“I thank the development partners for financing this projects that will offer solutions to many challenges posed by waste water,” said Madam Masaviru.

Ms Mary Kundu, Director at KACWASCO said the facility will solve issues of pollution of rivers which poses health risks.

“Institutions within this area should take advantage of this facility to dispose their waste water so that we have a clean and healthy environment,” said Ms Kundu.

County Assembly Environment Committee chairman Hon Swaka Limera asked development partners to consider rolling out similar projects in other urban Centers within the County.

Butere MP Tindi Mwale, County Secretary and Head of Public Service Ambassador CPA James Ochami, CECM for Roads Mr Kulati Wangia, Chief Officers, CEOs led by Madam Christabel Ashiono (KACWASCO), MCAs, board members of KACWASCO and KACRUWASCO among other officials were present.

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KACWASCO Enforcement Team today unmasked major water theft at Amalemba Estate in Kakamega town.

The theft which has been denying consumers enough water was unearthed by the team during its routine inspection after a tip-off from members of the public.

Enforcement Officer Silas Egesa who confirmed the incident said the suspect is on the run and they are still pursuing him to ensure he faces the law.

“He diverted water from the main distribution line to his brick baking site. This has caused lack of water to our consumers and also led to loss of revenue to the Company,” said Egesa.

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Mr Egesa who was accompanied by Distribution Supervisor Carl Rudolf and the enforcement team said the illegal connection affected hundreds of consumers who rely on the Company for water.

Mr Rudolf said: “There has been public outcry due to lack of water for our consumers in this area. Today we have managed to unmask this site which has illegally connected water. The owner is on the run but we will ensure we get hold of him and hand him to the relevant authorities for prosecution.”

He appealed to the public to report cases of water theft and illegal connections to enable the Company have steady supply of water to its consumers.

He noted that illegal connections have become rampant and the team has vowed to take the necessary actions to those found culpable.

Governor H.E Dr FCPA Wycliffe Oparanya has said his Government has put in place measures to ensure 100% water connectivity in the County by 2030.

In a speech read on his behalf by CECM for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Madam Rhodah Masaviru during this year’s World Water Day celebrations at Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO) offices in Kakamega town, the Governor said his Government has invested resources in the sector to ensure every citizen both in urban and rural areas access clean and safe water under the ambitious ‘Amatsi Khumukuru’ programme.

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“Water is a basic right that should be accessed by every citizen. My Government has put a lot of emphasis on ensuring adequate supply of water to all residents at their doorstep in all parts of the County,” said the Governor.

He noted that Kakamega County has a population of over two million people which has increased demand for clean and safe water saying that the Government is committed to ensuring the commodity was available to residents.

He said 80% of urban dwellers and 35% of rural folk are connected to clean and safe water noting that his desire is to have all parts of the County connected to clean water by 2030.

The Governor said his Government is tapping on cheap and new technology to cut down on the cost of water supply and availability of the commodity in the County.

“We are using modern technology including having solar powered boreholes to cut down on the costs of supplying water,” he said.

He revealed that his Administration has constructed a containerized water treatment plant in Chekalini, Lugari Sub County which serves over 22,000 propel in the Sub County and its environs.

“To cope with the effects of climate change, the County is rehabilitating dams, exploring ground water and also using appropriate modern technologies,” he said.

KACWASCO acting CEO Madam Christabel Ashiono said her company is committed to supplying water to its consumers and increasing connectivity.

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She said the five million liter capacity water storage tank at Lirhanda in Shinyalu Sub County will help address the challenge of water shortage and rationing in Kakamega town.

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“In areas we cannot supply water by gravity like in Butere, Malava and Lumakanda, we have opted to using boreholes which are well linked to the main water line to supply water to people,” she added.

“We recognize the need to sustain humanity through provision of clean, safe and affordable water as an essential commodity as we strive to achieve our vision of being an effective and efficient water and sanitation service provider,” said Madam Ashiono.

She requested the community to adopt a tree and take personal initiative to nurture the tree as one way of conserving the source of water.

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“I thank our partners, stakeholders, consumers and all players in the water sector for their support towards the celebration and growth of the Company.

Chief Officer for Water Eng Philip Otenyo, Shirere MCA Hon David Ikunza, representatives from various organizations, senior County and Company staff were present.

Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO) CEO Madam Christabel Ashiono has assured suppliers that the Company is committed to paying their dues in the shortest time possible.

She urged the suppliers to continue working with the Company as she strives to clear their debts.

“As a Company we apologize for delaying to pay debts owed to our suppliers because of some challenges which the Company experienced including Covid-19 pandemic. However, we are committed to settling the debts,” said Madam Ashiono during a consultative meeting with the suppliers.

She presented the Company’s debt payment plan which was agreed upon by the suppliers. In the plan small debts will cleared in the next two months after which the Company will start clearing huge debts.

The CEO assured the suppliers that the Company has put in place strategies to raise funds to clear all debts owed to them appreciating them for their patience and trust in the Company.

“We are committed to clearing all debts. We have strategies in place to raise money to enable us achieve this target,” she said.

She recognized the suppliers as key stakeholders for the growth of the Company as they play an integral part in the operations and maintenance services of the Company.

She told the suppliers that the Company is ready and willing to continue working with them promising a bright future.

“We value you as our key stakeholders and I urge you to continue working with us so that we achieve our desire of every resident of Kakamega County getting clean and safe water,” the CEO said.

The suppliers appreciated the CEO for the meeting promising to continue supplying their goods and services to the Company to enhance its operations and service delivery.

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They also thanked her for recognizing their role in the growth of the Company.

Kakamega County Urban Water and Sanitation Company (KACUWASCO) acting CEO Madam Christabel Ashiono today held a consultative meeting with journalists from Kakamega.

In the meeting held at the Company’s boardroom, the CEO expressed her willingness to work closely with media to convey accurate, factual and verifiable information to the public.

“We are grateful for the support we get from media and we promise to continue working together to ensure the growth of our company,” said Madam Ashiono.

She used the opportunity to share with the journalists her vision for the company and efforts put in place to improve services and enhance service delivery.

She said despite few challenges facing the Company, she is committed to addressing the challenges to ensure the Company achieves its mandate of supplying clean pipe water to its customers.

“As a Company we are embracing open door policy. We are ready to get information from all stakeholders and act on it to improve our services. I encourage you to be free to get information and give us feedback that will enable us stabilize the Company and also improve our services,” she said.

The journalists appreciated the CEO for organizing the meeting and recognizing the role of media in conveying information to the public.

They promised to support the Company by publishing verified and factual information with a view of reaching to stakeholders and growth of the Company.