Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has launched three major water projects in Kinango Sub County, reinforcing her administration’s efforts to combat drought and climate change in the region.
The projects include the construction of the Wamasaa water pan, developed in partnership with the National Irrigation Authority, and the expansion of water pipelines in the Moyeni and Vinyunduni areas. These initiatives are expected to benefit more than 4,000 households.
Speaking during the launch of the Malomani-Vinyunduni water pipeline extension in Macknon Ward, Governor Achani reaffirmed her commitment to addressing water scarcity in the county’s arid zones.
“My administration has been collaborating with the national government and other stakeholders to ensure that the challenge of water shortages affecting the county is resolved,” she said.
Achani outlined broader plans that include building additional dams in the drought-prone areas of Kinango, Samburu, and LungaLunga, and drilling boreholes in lowland areas of Matuga and Msambweni.
She also highlighted the transformative progress already made, noting that her administration has overseen the construction of over 40 large and medium dams, drilled more than 40 boreholes, and extended over 500 kilometers of pipeline across the county.
Among the key completed projects are the Nyalani Dam in Kinango, Nuru Dam in Puma, Mtaa Dam in Mwavumbo, Mwakalanga in Mwereni, Chikwakwani Dam in Kasemeni, and Bang’a Dam in Kinango.
Local residents expressed gratitude to the county government, citing the projects as life-changing.
“For years we’ve struggled to get clean piped water, and this project is a great relief for our families and livestock,” said Harrison Mnyika.
Mwanasiti Mwaozi echoed similar sentiments, thanking the government for easing the burden of walking long distances in search of water.
Boniface Kioko, chairman of the Wamasaa Water Pan Committee, lauded the initiative, saying it would greatly support irrigation and livestock rearing.
“We have depended on relief food due to the lack of water for farming. We hope this project will now give us a reliable water source for our crops and animals,” he said.
Residents were encouraged to embrace small-scale irrigation and kitchen gardening once the water pan is operational—an approach expected to improve food security and local livelihoods.
