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Thousands of households across Ugunja, Ukwala and Sega are on the cusp of a long-awaited transformation after the official site possession for the Ugunja–Ukwala–Sega Last Mile Connectivity Project was handed over today, marking the start of a high-impact water infrastructure rollout.
Backed by the African Development Bank and the Government of Kenya, the ambitious project is scheduled for completion within nine months, promising to deliver clean, safe and reliable piped water directly to homes, schools and health facilities.
Officials at the handover described the project as a game-changer that will finally bridge the long-standing gap between bulk water supply and household connectivity. For years, residents have depended on boreholes, shallow wells and costly water vendors — a burden that is now set to ease significantly.
Once complete, the project will ensure that treated water from existing systems reaches the last mile — the households and institutions that need it most.
The project will be executed under a multi-agency framework designed to guarantee quality and sustainability. The Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Authority will serve as the Employer, with engineering supervision provided by the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Authority.
Construction works have been awarded to Shaanxi Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Group Co., a contractor expected to fast-track delivery while maintaining global engineering standards.
A key pillar of the project’s long-term success will be the Siaya-Bondo Water and Sanitation Company (SIBOWASCO), which will take over operations and maintenance upon completion. Its mandate will include customer onboarding, meter management, billing and ensuring efficient, reliable service delivery.
The project’s nine-month implementation plan is both expansive and technology-driven:
88.5 kilometres of distribution pipeline to extend water access deep into underserved communities
1,200 new household connections equipped with smart-enabled meters for accurate billing
50 institutional connections targeting schools, health centres and markets
A smart zonal metering system to curb water loss, detect leaks and improve supply monitoring
For local residents, the impact will be immediate and far-reaching. Women and children — often tasked with fetching water over long distances — will reclaim valuable time, while schools and health facilities will gain consistent, on-site water supply.
“Water is life. This project means dignity for our families and growth for our businesses,” a local leader said, capturing the community’s optimism.
Improved service delivery under SIBOWASCO will also introduce responsive customer care, faster fault resolution and transparent billing systems powered by smart technology.
With site possession now complete, contractors are expected to move swiftly to mobilize equipment and begin pipeline installation. Stakeholders have pledged close coordination with community leaders to ensure smooth implementation and timely completion.
The Ugunja–Ukwala–Sega Last Mile Connectivity Project forms part of Kenya’s broader push toward universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. With support from development partners and a strong institutional framework, the initiative underscores a decisive shift toward inclusive, last-mile service delivery.
As the first pipes are laid, hope is already flowing across Ugunja, Ukwala and Sega — and in just nine months, clean water could finally be running through every tap.
