URWASCO Begins Taking Over More Than 280 Rural Water Projects Across Uasin Gishu

The Uasin Gishu County Rural Water and Sanitation Company (URWASCO) has started the process of taking over the management of more than 280 rural water projects across the county in a move aimed at improving water supply and ensuring the long-term sustainability of community water infrastructure.

The transition follows a three-day public participation and sensitisation exercise conducted between November 4 and 6, 2026, during which residents were informed about the company’s mandate, the proposed handover process and their role in protecting existing water infrastructure.

Follow our WHATSAPP CHANNEL for daily updates.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the management of rural water systems serving households, schools and health facilities across different parts of Uasin Gishu.

URWASCO officials said the exercise marked the beginning of a wider transition programme that will see the company assume responsibility for the operation and maintenance of community water projects previously managed through local arrangements.

The engagements were led by URWASCO Board Chairman Pius Kigen and Managing Director Eng. Caroline Ngerechi, accompanied by the company’s technical team.

According to the officials, the first phase will focus on 11 pilot water projects before the transition is extended to other schemes across the county.

Among the projects identified for the initial transition is the Meibeki Water Project in Karuna-Meibeki Ward.

The scheme currently serves 1,244 connections and supplies water to 13 primary schools, three secondary schools and a health facility, making it one of the key community water systems included in the programme.

Another major project is the Ngeria South Water Project in Megun Ward, which serves approximately 200 households alongside several institutions.

Other projects included in the pilot phase are Chepterit, Chepkero-Kapsundei, Ziwa Machine, Moiben Town, Sambut Cheramet, Seiyo, Kaptich Dairy, Cheptiret Dispensary and Kapchepkwony water projects.

The selected schemes are expected to provide URWASCO with an initial operational framework as it prepares to extend professional management to more rural water infrastructure.

Speaking during the community engagements, Board Chairman Pius Kigen urged residents to support the transition, noting that proper management would help ensure that investments in water infrastructure continue benefiting communities.

“I encourage residents to embrace this initiative positively. Expanding access to water for more communities across Uasin Gishu is part of our government’s development agenda.

“Through URWASCO, we are committed to ensuring that these investments are properly managed and sustained to deliver long-term benefits to our people,” Kigen said.

Managing Director Eng. Caroline Ngerechi assured residents that the company was prepared to take up the responsibility, adding that technical assessments would be conducted before and during the transition.

She said the assessments would help identify existing operational challenges, establish the condition of the infrastructure and determine the improvements required to ensure reliable water supply.

“Our technical team, led by Eng. Henry Kendagor, is prepared to carry out thorough assessments of every project, fix existing challenges, ensure the works meet engineering standards, and put in place strong operational systems,” Ngerechi said.

She further emphasised the importance of working closely with local communities and existing Project Management Committees to ensure a smooth handover.

“We will work hand in hand with Project Management Committees and local residents so that the transition is smooth and everyone feels ownership of these vital water assets,” she added.

The involvement of community representatives is expected to help address challenges associated with the management of rural water schemes while strengthening accountability and public participation.

The URWASCO transition is anchored in the County Government of Uasin Gishu’s Nguzo 7 agenda under the Mache Biko Beko campaign and Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim’s broader development blueprint.

The county government aims to ensure that investments made in rural water infrastructure are properly maintained and continue delivering services to residents.

By placing the projects under a coordinated management structure, the county hopes to address operational weaknesses that could undermine water supply, infrastructure maintenance and the financial sustainability of community schemes.

The transition also comes at a time when reliable water access remains important for households, learning institutions, healthcare facilities and agricultural activities across Uasin Gishu.

URWASCO said the three-day sensitisation programme was only the beginning, with similar engagements expected to be conducted in additional communities as more water projects are brought under its management.

For residents across Eldoret’s surrounding rural areas and other parts of Uasin Gishu, the success of the initiative will depend on the company’s ability to maintain existing infrastructure, address technical challenges and ensure consistent water services.

The countywide takeover of more than 280 rural water projects is therefore expected to mark a significant shift in how community water infrastructure is managed, maintained and sustained in Uasin Gishu.