Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir revealed that the Kipkaren Water Supply Project, located in Kapseret Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, will add 21,000 cubic metres of water daily to Eldoret’s supply upon completion. This project, managed by the North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency, will deliver 24,000 cubic metres of treated water daily, with 3,000 cubic metres allocated to Mosoriot in Nandi County and the remainder serving Eldoret. Korir emphasized that the city currently receives 40,000 cubic metres daily against a demand of 70,000, making the project vital to reducing the deficit. The initiative will also enhance water access for areas like Eldoret International Airport, Racecourse, and Langas, as well as Nandi County’s Mlango and Lelmokwo.
The Kipkaren project, 80% complete, includes a 24,375 cubic metre-per-day treatment plant, a rising main, and storage facilities. Work resumed in February after a four-year halt at 48% completion, with the main storage tank at Oletebes nearing completion. Korir stated the 100,000-cubic-metre tank will be finished by October 20, followed by a 20-day curing period and November water-holding tests. The pipeline from the Kipkaren Water Treatment Plant to the project site is complete, while the rising main to Mosoriot and storage facilities are nearing completion. The Ministry is also advancing the Chebara water system expansion, including a second pipeline, to meet rising demand from Eldoret’s growing population.
Korir highlighted that current daily supply to Eldoret stands at 40,000 cubic metres from Chebara and other sources, falling short of the 70,000-cubic-metre demand. During an inspection, he also reviewed the 50%-complete Eldoret Sewerage Last Mile Connectivity Project, which aims to serve 10,000 people by December. These initiatives are part of broader government efforts to improve water and sanitation access in Uasin Gishu and Nandi Counties. The Kipkaren project is slated for full completion by December 31, according to Korir’s timeline.
The project’s completion underscores Kenya’s push to address urban water scarcity amid rapid population growth and migration. By integrating treated water into existing networks, the Kipkaren scheme will alleviate pressure on Eldoret’s infrastructure and support economic activities at the airport and surrounding areas. Officials stress that reliable water access is critical for public health, sanitation, and regional development, aligning with national goals to enhance service delivery in underserved regions.