A crucial step in the institutional realignment of water provision was achieved today as the Taskforce on the Handover of the Itare-Litein Bulk Water Supply Scheme presented its adoption report. The report was formally presented before the Director Water Infrastructure and Devt Eng. Simon Korir, the Governor of Bomet county Prof. Hillary Barchok, EGH, the Governor of Kericho county Dr. Erick Mutai, LVSWWDA Chairman Mr. Dan Omino, OGW, LVSWWDA CEO Ms. Jackline Kemunto, WASREB Chairman Mr. Job Chirchir and Ag. CEO Richard Cheruiyot, KEWASCO Chairman Sir Kelly Cheruiyot and Managing Director FCPA Reuben Korir, BOMWASCO Acting Chair Daisy Ronoh and Acting Managing Director Mr. Kipng’etich Towett among others.
The adoption of this report officially marks the commencement of the process to transfer the Itare-Litein Water Supply System to LVSWWDA for operation under a bulk water management framework. This transfer is mandated by the Water Act, 2016, and the Water Act (Amendment), 2024, which support the broader realignment of institutional roles in the sector. The acts explicitly give Water Works Development Agencies (WWDAs) the mandate for bulk water supply management.
Currently, the scheme’s operations are shared, with Bomet Water and Sanitation Company (BOMWASCO) managing the intake, treatment works, and distribution network, and Kericho Water and Sanitation Company (KEWASCO) managing the distribution system within Kericho County. The shift to LVSWWDA is expected to streamline operations and enhance water security across the region.
The LVSWWDA CEO Ms. Jackline Kemunto said the Agency has so far replaced five pumps and rehabilitated some of the scheme’s components in readiness for this takeover. She requested the Ministry of Water, Sanitation & Irrigation to provide subsidies for the next six months as the Agency moves in to take over the operations of the
schemes. LVSWWDA Chairman Mr. Dan Omino said the Agency will ensure the tariff is finalised and move with speed to ensure the taskforce recommendations are implemented.
Leadership from Bomet and Kericho Water Companies assured of their readiness to hand over the scheme and support to the Agency.
