On Friday September 19, 2025, Kitui County Governor H.E Dr. Julius Malombe and World Vision Kenya National Director Gilbert Kamanga officially commissioned the long waited River Athi–Kangu Kangu–Mutomo–Ikutha–Kanziko–Mathima Water Project at Mutomo Market, marking a transformative step in the county’s pursuit of universal access to clean and safe water.

The Ksh. 839.7 million flagship project was jointly funded, by the County Government of Kitui and World Vision. The project was first initiated in the year 2014 in partnership with World Vision Kenya. The project comprises a 224-kilometre pipeline network, 13 storage tanks, and 52 water kiosks, designed to serve more than 120,000 residents across 5 wards (of Kitui South constituency which includes Mutomo/Kibwea, Kanziku, Mutha, Ikutha & Athi and parts of Kitui Rural.

Speaking during the commissioning of this life-changing project, Governor Malombe underscored the project’s alignment with the constitutional right to water, Kenya Vision 2030, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and Kitui’s own development priorities.

“My government is committed to ensuring access to safe and clean water for all Kitui households, with water points located not more than two kilometres away, and a maximum turnaround time of 45 minutes to reach them,” he said.

In addition to the Kangu Kangu project, the Governor highlighted ongoing water initiatives across the county, including borehole drilling, sump wells, earth dams, and sand dams, aimed at reducing water scarcity in arid and semi-arid areas.

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Governor Malombe applauded World Vision Kenya, county technical teams, and the community for their patience and collaboration throughout the project implementation. He, however, raised concern over incidents of vandalism on the infrastructure and directed the County Minister for Water and Irrigation Peter Nkuda to work with KITWASCO and local administrators in Lower Yatta, Mutomo, and Ikutha to curb the menace.

The Governor confirmed that the scheme will be managed by Kitui Water and Sanitation Company (KITWASCO) to ensure sustainability and reliable service delivery. He further expressed his government’s commitment to replicate similar water supply schemes across Kitui County, enhancing resilience against drought and ensuring every resident enjoys their right to water.

The commissioning ceremony held at Mutomo town and was also attended by Kitui Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani, Kitui South MP Dr. Rachael Kaki, Kitui Central MP Dr. Makali Mulu, County CECMs, Chief Officers, World Vision National Director Mr. Gilbert Kamanga and his senior staff, several Members of the County Assembly, and hundreds of local residents.

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