Efforts to ensure residents have access to clean, safe, and reliable water in Uasin Gishu County have received a boost following intensified collaboration between the Uasin Gishu Rural Water and Sanitation Company (URWASCO) and Aquaya, a data-driven nonprofit focused on improving water and sanitation access in low-resource settings.

The initiative falls under Nguzo Number 7, a promise prioritizing on reliable water supply for all residents while ensuring proper maintenance and sustainability of water projects. As the county works to expand and maintain water infrastructure, emphasis is also being placed on water quality assurance to safeguard public health.

Aquaya has been engaging with Uasin Gishu County since 2023, and the latest engagement with URWASCO aims to strengthen monitoring systems to ensure the water consumed by residents meets safety standards.
Speaking during the engagement, Aquaya Research Officer Faith Chepng’eno emphasised the importance of making water quality monitoring a routine practice in rural water schemes.

“Water quality monitoring should not be an afterthought in our rural schemes. Through our collaboration with URWASCO and ELDOWAS, we are working to ensure that monitoring becomes a routine practice. This partnership has created opportunities for meaningful knowledge-sharing with water operators from rural schemes. We value this collaboration and remain committed to strengthening water quality management in these communities,” she said.

The sentiments were reinforced by CECM for Water, Environment And Natural Resources Mr.Anthony Sitienei.

URWASCO Acting Managing Director, Eng. Caroline Ngerechi, who was present at the meeting, echoed the importance of the partnership, noting that the collaboration will ensure water operators and staff receive the necessary training to maintain high water quality standards.

Also present were county engineers led by the Director of Water Services Eng. Bob Busungu and Assistant Director of Water and Sanitation Eng. Henry Kendagor.

The partnership is part of ongoing efforts under Nguzo Number 7 to enhance service delivery and ensure residents across Uasin Gishu County continue to enjoy access to a clean, safe, and dependable water supply.