The Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) has launched its 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, marking the commencement of flagship water and sanitation projects that will transform access to clean water and sanitation in Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, and surrounding regions.
At the heart of the five-year plan are transformational projects including the Thiririka Dam Water Supply Project, Maragua 4 Dam, Northern Collector Tunnel II, and the Nairobi Satellite Towns Water and Sanitation Improvement Project (NATWASIP).
Together, these initiatives will deliver new water sources with a combined daily storage capacity of 461,000 cubic meters. Additionally, they will boost water treatment capacity to 318,500 cubic meters per day, construct more than 443 km of transmission pipelines, and 880 km of sewer networks.
Consequently, the agency will directly address the growing supply-demand gap, ensuring that millions of Kenyans in both urban and peri-urban areas gain reliable access to safe water and sanitation.
In doing so, the plan promises to significantly reduce waterborne diseases, improve public health outcomes, enhance household productivity, and unlock new opportunities for businesses and industries dependent on reliable water supply.
The five-year plan will require Ksh 206 billion in investment, to be mobilized through government allocations, development partners, public-private partnerships, and innovative financing such as climate funds.
In his keynote address, Eng. Eric Murithi Mugaa, Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, hailed the strategic plan as a bold step towards achieving Kenya’s development agenda:
“These projects bring us closer to universal water and sanitation coverage by 2030, in line with Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. The scale of socio-economic benefits—healthier families, thriving businesses, and stronger local economies—cannot be overstated,” he said.
Speaking at the launch, Eng. Joseph Kamau, Chief Executive Officer of AWWDA, emphasized that the strategic plan prioritises access to clean water as a driver of socio-economic transformation.
He stated: “Water is not just about consumption; it underpins health, education, agriculture, and enterprise. By securing long-term supply through these projects, we are not only improving daily lives but also creating a foundation for job creation, food security, industrial growth, and climate resilience. This plan is not just about building dams and pipelines; it is about building livelihoods, creating opportunities, and securing Kenya’s long-term water future. Through collaboration, digital innovation, and green energy solutions, we are re-imagining water and sanitation for the next generation”
The event also marked the commissioning of bulk water operations through the Karimenu II Dam and Northern Collector Tunnel systems, now capable of supplying over 217 million litres of treated water daily to Nairobi and its environs.
To strengthen accountability, AWWDA signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), which will oversee bulk water revenue collection.
In her remarks, the Board Chairperson of AWWDA Mary Munga, highlighted the importance of good governance and accountability in driving the Agency’s mission, stating that the challenges of rapid urbanization, climate change, and limited resources demand bold responses. By embracing stronger partnerships and robust oversight, she said, AWWDA is not just delivering infrastructure – it is delivering dignity, prosperity, and national cohesion through water.”
