Sh21b investment to boost water access for Thika and Githunguri

GRACE NAISHOO-KNA 

The Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) will fund the Thika and Githunguri Water and Sanitation Project in Kiambu County, estimated at Sh21 billion. 

The project, which was unveiled by the government at the beginning of this year, is expected to increase the water supply to 1.2 million people in Thika, Githunguri, and the neighboring semi-arid Ithanga area in Murang’a County. 

The multi-billion project is scheduled to start in February next year and will involve the construction and rehabilitation of water storage tanks, as well as the laying of about 60 kilometers of water transmission and distribution pipelines, including consumer last-mile connections. 

Speaking during a visit to the site by a team from the Danish agency, leaders and stakeholders in Githunguri noted that Githunguri Water and Sanitation Company Managing Director Dr. Francis Kahuha said the upcoming project marks a crucial step toward improving sanitation and water management in Githunguri Municipality, as it is the only one ever constructed in the region. 

“This is a significant development, as Githunguri has never had a sewer system, leaving many residents without a proper place to discharge sewage. He further lauded the project saying it will improve the living standards of the people in the target area by ensuring the provision of affordable access to safe water and sanitation services.