FOCUSPEOPLE

OUR

bomba Jan - March 2013

Inside:

The Nairobi Water MasterplanWater as Human RightKiambu County

Bomba January - March 2013 2

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Office of Chief Executive Officer 6

From the Chairman 4

The Nairobi Water Masterplan 8

Staff Profile: Eng. Malaquen Milgo 12

Kiambu Water Company 14

Water as a Human Right 17

Thika Dam 18

ContentsHalmashauri ya Huduma za Maji ya Athi imejitolea kutoa huduma bora nyakati zote kwa kuzingatia maslahi ya wateja wetu wote na

kuimarisha viwango vya utoaji huduma katika nyanja zote ili kuwaridhisha wateja wetu.

Malipo kutozwa na watoaji huduma hiyo

Malipo kutozwa na watoaji wa huduma hiyo.

Andika swali lako kwa njia fupi inayoelewekaMajibu kwa barua pepe

Majibu ya simu

Kuwahudumia wageni wanaozuru waliotuma maombi

Barua –pepe-siku moja

Majibu mara moja na suluhu katika muda wa siku 30

Katika muda wa siku 9 na suluhu kwa muda wa siku 30.

Kuhudumiwa kwa wakati uliopangwa

Piga simu na eleza dhahiri swali lako.

Wasilisha malalamiko kwa kuongea,kwenye vijisanduku vya mapendekezo ama uandike barua.

Zuru o�si zetu kutafuta huduma.

1. Waruhusu wahudumu wa maji walioidhinishwa kuzuru jengo lako kwa minajili ya kusoma mita na ukarabati.2. Tumia maji vyema ili kuepusha uharibifu.3. Ripoti kupasuka ama kufuja kwa mifereji katika o�si iliyoko karibu.4. Lipa bili yako kwa wakati ufaao.5. Usitoe zawadi, fedha ama hongo kwa wafanyikazi wa AWSB ama WSP.

1. kuwateuwa watoaji huduma za maji wenye ujuzi na kuhakikisha wana mifumo bora ya kazi.2. Kutekeleza sheria za kuhakikisha kuna maji sa� na pia kufanya utathmini3. Kuhakikisha watoaji huduma za maji wana mifumo thabiti ya ukarabati na ya kupunguza matatizo ya usambazaji maji.4. kuhakikisha mfumo sahihi na wenye uadilifu wa kutoa bili za maji.5. kuhakikisha watoaji huduma za maji wanazingatia maslahi ya wateja.

KIWANGO CHA 1: Ripoti malalamiko yako kwa mtoaji wa huduma za maji aliye karibu. Ikiwa haujaridhika enda kwa kiwango cha pili.KIWANGO CHA 2: Ripoti malalamiko kwa halmashauri ya Huduma za Maji ya Athi. Ikiwa bado haujaridhika enda kwa kiwango cha tatu.KIWANGO CHA 3: Ripoti malalamiko yako kwa Halmashauri ya Kuthibiti Utoaji wa Huduma za Maji-(WASREB). Ikiwa ungali haujaridhika enda kwa kiwango cha nne.KIWANGO CHA 4: Ripoti kwa Halmashauri ya Kusikiza Rufani-(WAB)

Wateja wanaweza kuwasiliana na sisi kupitia anwani ifuatayo: Halmashauri ya Huduma za Maji ya Athi,

orofa ya tatu, jengo la Africa Re Centre, barabara ya Hospitai. Upper Hill, S.L.P- 45283-00100, Nairobi. Nambari ya simu 020-27224293,020-272438,020-272744/2, rununu 0715-688272

Ripoti kuhusu u�sadi: 020-272440 Barua pepe: info@awsboard.go.ke Tovuti: www.awsboard.go.kena pia unaweza kuwasiliana na:

Tume ya Utawala wa Haki / Ombudsman katika jengo la Waziri Mkuu , Harambee Avenue S.L.P. 20414 – 00200 NAIROBI.

Nambari za simu+254-20-2270000, +254-20-2303000, +254-20-2603765, +254-20-2441211,+254-20-8030666

HUDUMAINAYOTOLEWA

Majibu kwa barua

Mawasiliano ya matokeo ya zabuni (tenda).

Suluhu kwa malalamiko ya mteja kupitia maandishi

Malipo kwa huduma/bidhaa/kazi

Kuwahudumia wageni ambao hawajatuma maombi

Zuru o�si zetu kutafuta huduma.

Wasilisha swali lako kwa njia fupi na kwa lugha mufti.

Sharti uwe umewasilisha ombiama zabuni.

Walisilisha bidhaa/huduma/kazi kulingana na kandarasi/LPO/LSO, risiti za stakabadhi,bili na LPOiliyotiwa saini

Bila malipo

Bila malipo

Bila malipo

Bila malipo

Bila malipo Katika muda wa siku 7

Katika muda wa siku 21 baada ya kukamilisha uwasilishaji zabuni.

Katika muda wa siku 30 (isipokuwa kwa kandarasi maalum)

Tutakupa habari unazotaka unaposubiri.

MAJUKUMU YA WATEJA MAJUKUMU YA HALMASHAURI YA HUDUMA ZA MAJI YA ATHI

UTARATIBU WA KUSULUHISHA MIZOZO

MUDAYANAYOHITAJIKA KWA MTEJAMALIPO

(Kshs)

MKATABA WA HUDUMA KWA UMMA

The government of Kenya has set aside an excess of Ksh 300 Billion for infrastructure investment

It is only with the determination and dedication of our people that we can serve our clients, and generate long

term value for our stakeholders.

Implementation of the first phase of the blue print has commenced

Failing to plan is planning to fail.

The company has a three year strategic plan from 2010 to 2013.

The dam has a storage capacity of 70,000,000M3

The right to water and sanitation is contained in Article 43 of the Kenyan Constitution.

Bomba January - March 2013 Bomba January - March 20134 5

T HE BOARD OF DIREC TORS Mr. Enosh Onyango

Mr. Joseph Kinyua

Eng. Peter Mangiti

The Chairman The Chairman

The wealth of Kenya lies in its people - their commitment to the

country and the community, their willingness to strive and persevere, their ability to think, achieve and excel. The future of Kenya depends on our continually renewing and regenerating our leadership and citizenry, building upon the experience of the past, learning from the circum-stances of the present, and preparing for the challenges of the future.

Yes, in Kenya today, people are our most precious resource. Every citizen is valuable and has a unique contribution to

make. Through education every individual can realize their full potential, use their talents and abilities to benefit the community and the nation, and lead a full and satisfying life.

Every person has a right to life, education, food, water, security and shelter. In this issue, we are celebrating the Kenyan people and the hard working staff in the water sector who have spent sleepless nights to ensure that the budget for infrastructure development increases. The people of Kenya, through their constant resilience have made the 2012/2013 budget focus greatly on infrastructure.Through the efforts of the people of Kenya, the budget for

economy. Good infrastructure also creates thousands of jobs that cannot be outsourced. It is now very clear that Kenya has begun the hard work of rebuilding our infrastructure. But there’s more to do, and that’s why Athi Water has stepped up efforts to source for funds to ensure that the water and sewer infrastruc-ture is expanded to meet the rising population in Nairobi and the metropolitan towns.

Rehabilitation, repair and maintenance of our existing water infrastructure will take priority as we also prepare to invest in new infrastructure and facilities. This will ensure that our cities are safer and more modern and can provide clean, affordable, reliable and efficient water. Athi Water has been looking for ways to ensure that the taxpayers don’t shoulder the entire burden of meeting the cost of these infrastructure developments.

Athi Water has been tapping the resources and so far the following programmes have been planned and will be rolled out in due course:

Our People: Wealth, Commitment, Resillience and Excellence

Nairobi County• World Bank Supported WaSSIP Additional Finance project• World Bank Supported Development of deep wells at Ruiru• AFD supported Nairobi Northern Collector Water project (CKE 1074)• KfW supported Nairobi Water Distribution Project• KfW supported Nairobi Satellite Towns water Improvement Project

Kiambu County• Ruiru Urban Water Distribution Improvement Project• Theta Water Supply project• Kiambu Urban Water Supply project• Boreholes sources for Karuri, Kikuyu and Limuru• Extension of pipelines for WSPs• KfW supported Nairobi Satellite Towns water Improvement Project

“In this issue, we are celebrating the Kenyan people and the hard working staff in the water sector who have spent sleepless nights to ensure that the budget for

infrastructure development increases.” Hon. Reuben Ndolo

2012/2013 saw an allocation of Kshs 268.1 Billion to infrastruc-ture. This is an increase of 21% over the 2011/2012 budget of Kshs 221 Billion. The amount above does not include Kshs 41.5 Billion and Kshs 1.5 Billion set aside for water and the Nairobi commuter rail. Neither does it include Kshs 8 Billion set aside for irrigation infrastructure. Therefore in total the government of Kenya has set aside and excess of Kshs 300 Billion for infrastructure investment.

Investing in infrastructure not only makes our roads, bridges, reservoirs and energy safer; it allows businesses to flourish and ensures workers are competitive in this global

Apart from the above programmes planned, there are projects that are currently on-going to meet the water de-mand:

• Kiu river sewers and Dandora waste water plant project • Construction of sewers in Mathare, Nairobi and Ngong river basins• Intensification of sewerage infrastructure in Nairobi• Construction of ablution blocks in informal settlement

Our commitment to safety, health, quality, and protection of the environment enables us to deliver the highest quality services in the community we serve; and provides a safe workplace for employees, while protecting the communities in which we work. At Athi Water, we shall continue to champion this.

Prof. Karega Mutahi

Mr. Aden S. Ali

Mr. John Giathi Charles

Mr. Peter Githinji Kungu

Mr. Francis Anyona

Mr. Mbuvi Kathenge

Mrs. Mary Mathew Malinda

Hon. Rebuen Ndolo

Bomba January - March 2013 Bomba January - March 20136 7

At Athi Water Services Board, we have come to realize that our people are our greatest resource. It is only with the determination and dedica-tion of our people that we can serve our clients, generate long-term value for our stakeholders and contribute to the broader public.

Every single day, our people are committed to helping in communi-ties where we work and live, and in places more distant, where our ideas, people and resources can make a difference. We have been able to pioneer in water and sanitation initiatives and developing programs that help solve crucial social and environmental issues. We have com-mitted ourselves to taking positive action based on discipline, innovation and a strategic approach over the long term.

In all of our endeavors, we adhere to four guiding principles:

• Ensuring our core business focuses on safe, affordable, reliable, efficient and sustainable water and sanitation services that is acceptable to the community we work in.• Establishing and maintaining networks of partners who have expertise and experience and are working towards a common vision – A future without thirst.• Rigorously monitoring and measuring results.• Engaging the time and talent of the youths and citizens of Kenya at all levels.

These four guiding principles has made us conduct and complete the following projects:

Nairobi• Relocation of water and sewerage infrastructure along Thika and Eastern By pass Roads• Acquisition of sewers and water pipelines way leaves• Improvement of water pipelines and sanitation services in Nairobi• Complete the Gatharaini Trunk Sewers• Expand the Dandora Sewerage Treatment Works and rehabilitate Ngong River trunk sewers• Construction of Lavington – Riruta trunk sewers• Extension of water and sanitation services in Nairobi informal settlements• Nairobi Water Master plan

• Nairobi city water distribution network hydraulic model• Development of boreholes water sources in Nairobi• Sasumua Dam rehabilitation • Ngethu and Sasumua water treatment plant• Ngethu – Gigiri – Kabete transmission pipelines ( Package 3 A and 3B)• Non-Revenue Water (NRW) management for Nairobi• Sanitation interventions in Nairobi City• Nairobi Informal Settlements Water and Sanitation Improvement Project

Kiambu County• Improvement of Ndarugu water supply project.• Boreholes development in Kiambu County.• Implementation of water projects with Support from Water Services Trust Fund• Planning for water and Sanitation projects in Kiambu County• Support for GoK water Schemes• Construction of independent Mataara production Systems (Karimenu, Thiririka and Ndarugu) • Construction of Komothai and Bathi Water Supply projects (Rehabilitation and Expansion of Existing Works)• Construction of Komothai and Bathi Water Supply projects - Rehabilitation and Expansion of Existing Works.• Ruiru-Juja Water Supply Works - Weir Intake and Water Treatment Works.• Extension of water services for all Water Service Providers• Improved water storage and Rainwater harvesting program in schools and poor urban communities• On Site sanitation Improvement Works

Murang’a County

• Boreholes development in Gatanga.• Implementation of water projects with Support from Water Services Trust Fund• Augmentation of Gatanga water supply project• Extension of water services for all Water Service Providers• Improved water storage and Rainwater harvesting program in schools and poor urban communities

Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer

Our People: Our Focus We say it today with good reason

“Every single day, our people are committed to helping in communities where we work and live, and in places more distant, where our ideas, people and resources can make a

difference.” Eng. Malaquen Milgo

We shall continue to ensure that our efforts focus on cultivating and sustaining a diverse work environ-ment and workforce, which is critical to meeting the unique needs of our customers and the communities we serve and operate in.

Together we can do more for Kenyans!

Eng. Malaquen Milgo

Mataara Water Project under construction in Gatundu

Bomba January - March 2013 Bomba January - March 20138 9

Water shortage has been rampant and given the rise in development, it has crossed the minds of many Nairobi residents if water will be something completely foreign for them. Crisscrossing the city residen-tial areas are the carts commonly known as ‘Mkokoteni’ ferrying water to many city dwellers at some exor-bitant prices.

Questions that arise from this kind of business is, is the water safe for use, where does it come from, why so expensive whereas it is my right to access water at affordable prices

among others. Keen to note are the ever present barrels that are around homesteads for water storage has been a normal agenda.

This of course has raised a lot of complaints from city residents and its environs and the government has received many of these. Kenya faces enormous challenges in the development and management of its limited water resources and has been referred to as a water scarce country. The magnitude and severity of the water crisis cuts across most sectors of the economy thus making water resources management a high priority that requires urgent atten-

tion. However, Athi Water has come up with a mitigation plan and we can breathe a sigh of relief.

Dubbed the ’Feasibility Study and Master Plan for Nairobi and Satellite Towns ‘, it breaks down the areas and shows how the city and its environs will become water secure. The plan cites that investment in water supply infrastructure have lagged since 1994 with the completion of the third Nairobi water supply project and the water demand in Nairobi metropoli-tan area now far outstrips supply.

This is true because as the area con-tinues to develop it is doing so on a

backdrop of environmental changes those that have harbored these ef-forts in infrastructure. Athi Water Services Board (ASWB) and other water providers were formed as part of reforms in the water sector.Kenya contributes over 50 per cent of the GDP in the region and as such it is an important regional centre for trade, commerce and regional integration. At present the City has an estimated resident population of 3.3 million people and an estimated daytime population of around 6 mil-lion people. The current population of the Athi Water jurisdiction area is estimated to be 4.6 Million people and it is projected to increase to 10.4 million by the year 2035.

The government has emphasized the need for developing the Nairobi region into a world class commercial centre. This will require basic and reliable water supply and sewerage, solid waste and transport infrastruc-ture. The plan seeks to address these issues and ensure that all water supply demands are fully met up to the year 2035 horizon, new sources of development are considered, all supplies are created to a common standard for portable water supply and new water sources and facili-ties increase reliability and security of water supply for Nairobi and its satellite towns. Participation is drawn from GoK Ministries, Agencies, Development Partners, Civil Society, local authorities and Water Services Providers.

Implementation of the 1st Phase of the blue print has commenced with the 4th Nairobi water supply project that will inject an additional 120,000m3/day from surface water sources and explore ground water potential at Ruiru and Kiunyu well fields estimated to yield an additional 65,000m3/day. This project will be implemented together with inde-pendent systems for satellite towns and rural/host communities within the catchment areas, and upgrading of the distribution system within Nairobi city.

RecommendationsBriefly, the Multi-criteria Analysis has considered the criteria to assess the impact of each Option against the six key sustainabil-ity issues. They include natural resources cri-teria which essentially are mandatory water quantity indicators on the impact on down-stream environmental flows and competition with alternative down-stream/upstream uses and the security of the water resource and the diversity or reliability of the resource to meet the water demand of the Satellite Towns.

The Economic Sustainability options are compared through their respec-tive indicators of least cost analysis the present value of the total capital plus a measure of the relative cost of operating the system over its life time.

The technical aspects analyzes the options that are rated on the flex-ibility of the new infrastructure to allow for further development of the resources and flexibility in supply to adjust to changes in population and future demand, and the complexity of the scheme in the number of new resources that have to be developed.In operation and management of water the Masterplan looks into the complexity and number of manage-ment entities involved, susceptibility

 

to prioritize and conflict in water allocation in times of scarcity. The plan also recommends checking on environment sustainability where they look at it in terms of adapta-tion and mitigation where as social sustainability is keen on options that are compared against their potential impact on resettlement, land losses and compensation through the devel-opment of the infrastructure.

In a nut shell the master plan has a clear cut direction of water supply for the city for the next 22 years. This comes as a plus for the sector that has been marred with negative perception over the years and the Nairobi residents can now take a step back knowing that the relevant authority has taken into account their plight and it has now been factored.

All you Need to knowabout the Nairobi Water Masterplan

Water Masterplan Water MasterplanAt present the

City has an estimated resident

population of 3.3 million people and an estimated day-time population

of around 6 million people.

Bomba January - March 2013 Bomba January - March 201310 11

Memorable Moments Memorable Moments

From Left to Right:Jonathan Lodompui, Assistant Director Reforms - Vision 2030, Hon. Reuben Ndolo, Chairman – Athi Water, Mary Kimonye, CEO – Brand Kenya join Eng. Peter Mangiti - MWI PS Representative and Sarah Tibatemwa, Director – IWA Africa in readiness to unveil the new Athi Water Look.

From Left to Right: Jonathan Lodompui, Assistant Director Re-forms - Vision 2030, Hon. Reuben Ndolo, Chairman – Athi Wa-ter celebrate with Eng. Peter Mangiti - MWI PS Representative and Sarah Tibatemwa, Director – IWA Africa after unveiling the new Athi Water Look.

Pic 02: The Former Prime Minister of Kenya, Hon. Raila A. Odinga arrives at the Kenyatta International Conference Center to launch The Nairobi Master Plan.

The Director of Water Services MWI, Eng. Mangiti (Immediate left) and The CEO OF Athi Water, Eng. Malaquen Milgo keenly follow the proceedings during the launch of the Nairobi Water Master Plan.

Dr. Rafik Hirji from the World Bank discusses the posi-tive impact if Kenya implements the Nairobi Water Master Plan effectively.

Athi Water Director, Aden Ali (left) commissions Waingere Water Project and hands it over to the Project Chairman and Secretary. To ensure that the water from the Waingere Project is of high quality, Di-

rector Aden Ali (right) takes a sip with assistance from Simon Mwaniki, Senior Community Development Officer – Athi Water.

Athi Water Board of Directors are informed of the impact of the Gatharaini Trunk Sewers Project that was recently concluded by Athi Water.

Former Minister for Water and Irrigation, Hon. Charity Ngilu (center) discusses the implementation phases of the Nairobi Water Master Plan with His Excel-lency, Mr. Etienne de Poncins, Ambassador of France to Kenya.

Bomba January - March 2013 Bomba January - March 201312 13

Kindly give us brief background of your career.

I was born over 50 years ago in Kenya. I hold a Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Civil Engineering from the University of Nairobi. I have under-taken postgraduate studies at the University of Zimbabwe; the Pan African Institute for Development, West Africa; Technical University, Berlin and the International Hydrau-lics institute (UNESCO-IHE), Delft Netherlands. I am professionally qual-ified and registered by the Engineers Registration Board of Kenya, and a Corporate Member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, since 1992.

I have worked in: the private sec-tor – engineering consultancy; public sector – managing capital intensive water supply and sanitation systems; and International Development Co-operation – 16 years with GIZ, formerly GTZ as an Advisor in the Ministries of Water and Irrigation and Local Government on manage-ment of urban water and sanitation, and water sector reform from where I left in 2011 to join Athi Water.

How has the journey been for you since joining Athi Water as the CEO?To take you back, working in GIZ, I was an advisor on, and was privileged to oversee implementation of alter-native management approaches for urban water and sewerage services

in order to enhance viability and sustainability in service delivery, a re-form initiative that is now commonly called commercialization, ideally it should be referred to as corpo-ratization – a bid to inject private sector efficiency in the management of public services. Water companies have now been formed all over the country following the successes registered at the pilot stage that included Nyeri, Kericho and Eldoret urban water and sewerage systems. Given the good results, the water sector in Kenya adopted it and it is

firmly entrenched in the water sec-tor legislation that is Water 2002. I joined Athi Water in August 2011 at a time when priority issues were to improve services, attract increased resources for development and comply with the Constitutional re-quirements on the right to water and sanitation by all citizens. The rights issue was actually adopted by the water sector in 2006 way before the Constitution was passed. I am glad that even as we talk about reforms in the sector we have gained very good results.

Staff Profile Staff Profile

Eng. Malaquen Milgo Speaks out

One is that the resources committed by donors to help in the re-forms have increased more than five times. We have also seen tremen-dous growth in the development of infrastructure starting with the rehabilitation of systems and then expansion. This means that more and more people are getting con-nected to what you would call a formal supply; that is it fulfills the benchmarks stipulated by regulation. The connections to formal water supply systems are enabling and increasing the number of citizen’s access to safe and adequate water. The trend for sanitation is similar with more connections following laying of trunk sewers, reticulation systems and rehabilitation of waste water treatment plants.

In Athi Water we are working to ensure that all facilities function as designed and that systems are ex-panded or developed following the timelines established by the Master Plan. We are working to ensure water security for Nairobi city, the Metropolitan area and the entire area covered by the Board. Fur-thermore we also want to ensure a clean environment by establishing systems to efficiently and effectively collect and treat all waste water generated.

Turning to the Master Plan for the development of new water sources for Nairobi and its satellite towns, kindly expound on it.

Referring to the common saying that ‘failing to plan is planning to fail’, it was very clear that we needed to establish a road map of least cost de-velopment options to ensure water security for the city and surrounding areas. The city is growing rapidly and fulfilling this ever growing demand for water is vital. This plan has been developed over a period of two years that included a multi criteria analysis to identify the least cost development options; design of ap-propriate environmental safeguards and measures to mitigate anticipated negative impacts.

This Master Plan provides a clear and practical road map to fulfill demand up to the year 2035; the plan shall be implemented in 5 phases comprising ground and surface water develop-ment. Implementation of Phases 1 and 2 of the Master Plan, now named the 4thNairobi water supply, is on course with planned completion in 2016 providing an additional 180 million litresof safe water per day to Nairobi city. Furthermore inter-ventions to ensure equitable water distribution within the city are on course following complex analysis and hydraulic modeling for 24/7 sup-ply to every water connection within

the city.

When handling water supply de-velopment, one must be conscious about the sources and host com-munities both upstream and down-stream and ensure the principle of ‘do no harm’ even as we develop. In this respect the demands by the host communities and other users has been analyzed and adequate provi-sions made to sustain these demands. Independent water supply systems are on course to be constructed for the host communities; in return the host communities will enhance con-servation measures and ensure their activities do not negatively affect the water sources. This provides a win – win situation for all.

How will Athi Water cele-brate the World Water Day?The Ministry of Water and Irrigation has pushed the national commemo-ration to April 2013. However, World Water Day is a very important day and as such we do recognize that we have achieved a lot over the years as Athi Water. We managed to launch the Master Plan in September last year and for the first time we have a clear development blueprint for wa-ter supply for the City and Satellite towns. This to me is a very important achievement given that its implemen-tation improves our water security.

Kenya is a water scarce country so if we are not careful we could easily fall into serious trouble. We are already being affected by climate change and hydrological variability. We are told that drought and rains will now increase in intensity and duration as and when they occur and hence the need for adequate counter measures.

In the past we have been suffering in both wet and dry seasons. Going for-ward we must plan to harness water during the wet seasons and regulate it to be of use during the dry sea-sons. These developments are a plus for us and we can only keep moving forward to enhance water security and services.

“We are working to ensure water security for Nairobi city, the Metropolitan area and the entire area covered by the Board.”Eng. Malaquen Milgo

Eng. Milgo signs performance contract with Thika Water Service Provider.

Bomba January - March 2013 Bomba January - March 201314 15

Kiambu Water & Sewerage Company Ltd (KIWASCO) is one of agents appointed

by Athi Water Services Board (a state corporation) in the year 2006 to ensure efficient and economical provision of water and sewerage services within Kiambu municipal-ity. The company was incorporated under the Companies Act (Cap. 486). Before the company came into operation, water services were run by the Kiambu Municipal Council.

Kiambu Water & Sewerage Com-pany Ltd is a non – profit making organization. Consequently,we do not give dividends to the shareholders; instead we use any surplus that may accrue intoimproving the water supply system.

Water supply coverageThe company is currently covering about 30% of the 57km2 within our area of jurisdiction in accord-ance with the Water Service Provi-sion Agreement signed with Athi Water Services Board. The popula-tion for the municipality is current-

A public sewer system wouldbenefit the entire Ruiru town by removing contaminants from the groundwater resource and offering community economic development benefits to the town.

The proposed sewerage system would be designed to provide a long-lasting, sustainable solution in order to providebenefits to Ruiru. In addi-tion, the town will benefit from im-proved transport system from both the eastern and northern bypasses and the Thika super highway, all of which traverse the town. Ruiru town is the most rapidly growing urban centre in Kenya and according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 2009; Ruiru is placed at the 7th posi-tion after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret and Kehancha. Both population increase and increased water supply and consumptionhave resulted in increased wastewater production, however the town has limited sewer with a cover-age of about 5%, which includes re-stricted sewer lines that empty into septic tanks. In Ruiru municipality, the disposal of domestic waste water is done through the sewer septic tanks, cesspools, pit latrines, bucket latrines and in bushes. There is widespread use of septic tanks as a method of disposing domestic waste water in the Central Business District and in some individual households. “The mu-nicipality does not have water borne sewerage system, has neither waste-water treatment plant nor does it

have a proper waste disposal site. At present the modes of waste/sewage disposal in the area is through pit la-trines, septic tanks and compost pits among others,” says Councilor Geof-frey Mwangi Kaara Ruiru Municipality mayor. “The diffuse nature ofwaste treatment in Ruiru has contributed to significant environ-mental degradation especially pollution of the adjacent water bodies. This calls for a centralized system of wastewater management which is one of the objectives of the proposed project,” says Eng. Malaquen Milgo, chief executive of-ficer, Athi Water Services Board. He adds that with the current popula-tion of 239,000, the town is the most densely populated urban centre (260 persons per hectare) in the Nairobi northern metropolitan area andhas become imperative to implement a water borne sewerage disposal system to complement population growth, increased water supply and improved road network with a view to accelerate the achievementof Nairobi Metropolitan Region strategy and Kenya’s Vision 2030.

The World Bank funded programme is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Nairobi Metropolitan Development and Athi Water Ser-vices Board. The project is estimated to cost 4.7 billion shillings. The first phase of this project is expected tocommence in the course of this year and will involve construction of Sewage Works for the Ruiru Town.

“The only bottleneck that can delay this works is the land required forthe construction of Sewage Treat-ment plant which is estimated to be approximately 60 acres. We are con-fident the ongoing consultations will identify the way forward for expedit-ing the process of obtaining theuse of the necessary land required for this worthy development,” said Hon. Reuben Ndolo when addressing Ruiru leaders during a consultative forum held in April 2012.

“We expect to eliminate discharges of untreated sewage to the Ruiru River, rehabilitate quarry sites and provide wastewater management in-frastructure for Ruiru town. This will lead to environmentalconservation and management as pollutionfrom septic tank leakages will be eliminated, “notes Eng. George Mungai, managing director, Ruiru-Juja Water & Sewerage Company. He further notes that the projectwill improve health of the people living within Nairobi Metropolitan Region, improve water quality in Nairobi River, Athi River, Ruiru River and Thiririka River. The project is expected to improve aestheticvalue of the area due to cleaning up of the mess that is currently experi-enced in storm water drains in the town and explore a possibility of uti-lizing sludge from the Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) by thecommunity around as fertilizers.

ly estimated at 80,000 residents and30,000 livestock units. Sources of water are 11 Boreholes and one sewerage treatment plant.

The daily water production is cur-rently estimated at 3,000 m3 from the eleven boreholes against a demand of 13,000 m3 per day. However, about 8,000 m3 of water is received from Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) every week which supplements the supply on Thursdays and Fridays. The company commands about 60% of the market share, with individual borehole owners and self- help water projects taking up 40% of the market share. Strategic Direction The company has a three year Strategic Plan from 2010 to 2013, which has incorporated lessons learned during the implementation of the previous Business Plan.

The plan has reviewedand highlighted the priorities to achieve measurable results as shown here below:• Increase access to safe water services.

• Attain financial sustainability.• Attain operational efficiency andinstitutional strengthening.• Attain customer and other key stakeholders’ satisfaction.• Mainstream cross-cutting Issues.

Customer Services

Our esteemed customers can get us through the following numbers:Office number 020233977Customer care number 0722547997Website: www.kiambuwater.comEmail: Kiwasco.water@gmail.comOur customers are advised pay their water bills through the following institutions:

1. Family Bank account No. 17833

2. Equity Bank account No. 0640296360945

3. National Bank account No. 01020998701

4. MPESA through Business No. 885100

Focus on Kiambu Water

& Sanitation Company

Water Service Providers Projects

4.7 Billion Shillings to Construct a

PublicSewer System

in Ruiru

 

Bomba January - March 2013 Bomba January - March 201316 17

The Kenyan Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) has

been implementing reforms in the sector since 2004 based onthe new Water Act 2002. The Act promotes modern principles in the management of water. It separates policy formulation from regulation and service provision as well as water resources management from water and sewerage services. The MWI retains the role of policy formulation and sector coordination. It has delegated regulation, pro poor financing, water resources management, investment planning and develop-ment, services provision to the

Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB), the Water Services Trust Fund (WSTF), the Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA), Water Services Boards (WSBs) and Water Service Providers (WSPs) respectively. Policy and legislation have taken on board many principles which were later adopted by the human right to water and sanitation dec-laration such as participation and empowerment of water users. MWI elaborated the orientation to human right through the pub-lication — Water sector reform in Kenya and the human right to water, 2007 that states “the right to water entities every person to have access to sufficient, afford-

able water and sanitation of ac-ceptable quality for personal and domestic use”. The Constitution of Kenya 2010 (CoK 2010) prom-ulgated in August 2010 contains The Bill of Rights (Chapter Four) that opens with Article 19(1) - The Bill of Rights is as an integral part of Kenya’s democratic state-and is the framework for social, economic and cultural policies.

The right to water and sanitation is contained in Article 43: Every person has the right to (b) acces-sible and adequate housing, and to reasonable standards of sanitation; and (d) to clean and safe water in adequate quantities. Article 19(3a) of the CoK 2010 pro-

vides: The tights and fundamental freedoms in the Bill of Rights (a) belong to each individual and are not granted by the State. Fur-thermore water now vests in the people philosophically changing how access and use has to be regulated as a matter of right and not just delivery of a service. The CoK 2010 obliges the State or its agents to comply with the core elements of the right to water and sanitation. This means on the realization of the right to water and sanitation rather than report on investments and delivery of a service.

The National Water Services Strategy 2007 — 2015 (NWSS) promotes formalization of servic-es as a means to fulfill the humanrights to water and sanitation. Formalization obliges providers to adhere to minimum service levels for consumers and henceoutlawing discrimination against the poor that has been witnessed in the past. Formalization is the only way to make transparent what service providers are doingand on what performance level they operate. An implementation

plan for the NWSS (Pro poor Implementation Plan - PPIP), with a pro poor focus was elaborated in 2008. This was done through a consultative process by MWI. It guides sector institutions in plan-ning interventions. The WSTF isestablished as a pro poor basket to finance the provision of water and sanitation services to areas without adequate provision of these services. The WSTF has adopted project implementation concepts that oblige institutions to involve users in planning, imple-mentation and operation of facili-ties as a necessary prerequisite and requirement before consider-ation of any application for finan-cial support (UPC). This is part of the ‘good practices’ related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation fulfilling human right. WSTF interventions through the urban window (UPC — Urban Projects Cycle) whose focus is to finance water and sanitation investments to low income urban dwellers, brought 700,000 ad-ditional urban poor to regulated/formalized water services and is being further up-scaled by WSBs

and WSPs. The impact of thisup-scaling is impressive and docu-mented in WSTF publications: Formalizing water supply through partnerships (Nov 2010);Sustainable up-scaling of access to water for the urban poor (July 2010) etc. The Water Act 2002 promotes participatory process by obliging MWI and sector institutions to consult and involve right holders. Hence aspects on human rights are already anchored in the law. WASREB promotes the establishment of Water Action Groups (WAGs) to provide right holders and the underserved, especially the urban poor, with a strong voice as a way of putting pressure on formalized service providers to continu-ously improve services. WAGs are community based and comprise citizens who have volunteered to address issues that affect consum-ers of water services. Operating as an extended arm of WASREB,they are empowered to facilitate improved understanding between right holders and duty bearers of respective roles and obligations and constitute an instutionalisedmechanism of citizen involvement.

Human Rights Human Rights

Moving Towards Human Right to water and Sanitation

Bomba January - March 2013 Bomba January - March 201318 19

The dam is owned by Athi Water Ser-vices Board while it is operated by theNairobi City Water & Sewerage Company.

The dams construction started in the year 1988 when the Kenya Govern-ment compulsorily acquired approxi-mately 1,200 acres of land to createspace for the construction of Thika Dam (Ndakaini) to supply portable water to the residents of Nairobi City and its environs. Water from the dam is conveyed through a system of tunnels running from the dam, tapping Kiama River and Kimakia River anddiverting the flows to Chania River at the Mwagu Outfall. Water is tapped from Chania River at Mwagu and conveyed via a tunnel to the Mataara chamber from where it’s conveyedby pipelines to Ngethu water produc-tion plant.

Historical Background

The Dam construction was under-taken under the Third Nairobi Water Supply Project between 1989 and 1994. The contractor for the above contracts was m/s Strabag Interna-

EVERY DROP OF WATER LOST SUMS UP TO MILLIONS OF SHILLINGS LOST

www.awsboard.go.ke

tional and the Consultant Engineers were m/s Howard Humpreys (K) Ltd. The project was co-financed by the World Bank, ADB, European Invest-ment Bank and the Kenya Govern-ment among others. The estimated total cost of the project stood at Kshs. 2 Billion at that time.

Key Functions Of Thika Dam

• To harness water from the Dam’scatchment to impound Thika reservoir.• To supply continuous reliable water to the City of Nairobi and its envi-rons, with minimum interruptions, at regulated quantities.• To release regulated quantities ofcompensation water downstream tomaintain the natural Thika river course.• To encourage a forestation within the Dam’s catchment and around the Dam, to sustain the catchments and ensure the presence of an environ-ment for continuous water flow.• To collect and analyze embankmentinstrument Data, using computerprogrammes to ensure the safety of the earth fill embankment.• To carry out physical analysis on

stored water to establish its quality.• To monitor, collect Data and keeprecords of the weather changes around the Dam.

Storage CapacityThe dam has a storage capacity of70,000,000m3 at full storage level of 2,041 meters above sea level and a depth average of 65m. The dam Pro-duces 430,000 m3/day of waterwhich is about 84% of total supply of water to Nairobi residents.

Catchment FeaturesThe Dam’s catchment area meas-ures 75 square Kilometer. It consists of Kimakia and Gatare Natural for-est which form Aberdare Ranges. The main rivers that drain into the Dam from this catchment are Thika, Githika and Kayuyu. Thika drains 50% Githika 30% and Kayuyu 20% of the catchment into the Dam respectively. The area receives ample rainfall of be-tween 2000 – 2500 mm annually.

OwnershipThe Dam is owned by Athi Water Services Board (AWSB) and operated by its agent, Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC).

AWSB Assets

Thika Dam(Ndakaini)

Bomba January - March 2013 20

Save a

today drop

There are a number of ways to save water and they all start with you!

keep the drought

at bay

Athi Water Services Board, Africa-Re Centre, Hospital Road, Upper Hill P.O Box 45283 - 00100 (GPO), Nairobi, Kenya, Tel: 0202724292/3, 0202727238 Email: info@awsboard.go.ke