Kericho Governor Dr Eric Mutai confirmed that the Sh95 million Bureti Water Supply Project, currently under construction, will provide clean and reliable water to more than 2,000 households in Bureti Sub-County. The initiative, which spans the Kapsuser, Cheromit, Kabartegan, and Roret corridor, has already completed nearly 20 kilometers of pipeline, with the 100,000-liter Kabartegan reservoir 50% finished. The project, scheduled for completion by May 2027, will also supply nine schools and three health facilities in Seretut, Chaik, Chemosot, and Kisiara wards. Dr Mutai emphasized that the project includes five large water storage tanks and over 45 kilometers of transmission and distribution pipelines to enhance water access. Funded through the Strategic Intervention Programme under the Department of Finance and Economic Planning, the water will originate from the Sh1.2 billion Kimugu Water Project, which produces over 14 million liters daily, enabling expansion to underserved areas.
Bureti Sub-County has long faced water shortages, with residents relying on springs and rivers due to inadequate infrastructure. These challenges have impacted households, schools, health facilities, and businesses, particularly in Kapkatet town, where population growth and commercial activity have strained existing systems. Residents often travel long distances for water, while alternative sources remain unreliable. Dr Mutai stated the project is part of broader efforts to address chronic shortages amid rising demand from residential and commercial development. The Kimugu Water Project has already improved availability in parts of Kericho County, and the Bureti initiative aims to extend piped water access to previously underserved communities.
The completed infrastructure—five storage tanks and 45 kilometers of pipelines—is expected to stabilize water distribution, ensuring consistent supply for domestic use, sanitation, and other needs. Reliable access is projected to boost agricultural productivity, enhance sanitation in schools and health facilities, reduce time spent fetching water, and stimulate local economic activities. Dr Mutai highlighted that the project will alleviate pressure on existing systems, improving living standards and public health. The initiative aligns with regional development goals, addressing historical gaps in water infrastructure while supporting sustainable growth in the area.
Kenya News Agency reported that the Bureti Water Supply Project represents a critical step in addressing long-standing water access challenges in Kericho County. By integrating with the Kimugu Water Project’s surplus capacity, the scheme underscores the county’s commitment to expanding infrastructure in response to growing demand. Officials emphasized that the project’s completion will mark a transformative milestone for communities reliant on intermittent water sources, fostering resilience and development in the region.