From Water Scarcity to Solar Solutions: How Kiambu Is Transforming Access to Clean Water
By Gedion Nzyoki -
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 22, 2026 — Kiambu County has emerged as one of the standout exhibitors at the 2026 Africa Public Service Day celebrations, showcasing major investments in water access, renewable energy, early childhood education, and digital service delivery.
Speaking during the exhibition at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), David Mugo Kihara, Director of Administration in the Kiambu County Government, said the county was honored to be recognized among the leading exhibitors at the annual event organized by the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes.
Kihara attributed the county's success to a series of transformative projects spearheaded by Governor Kimani Wamatangi, particularly in the water sector.
"As you can see, Kiambu County is number one in terms of water distribution. One of the projects we are showcasing is the installation of solar-powered systems in our boreholes, especially in Kikuyu, to reduce electricity costs and improve efficiency," he said.
According to Kihara, the county has rolled out solar-powered borehole systems across all 60 wards, significantly reducing operational expenses that were previously incurred through electricity bills.
He noted that each ward currently has at least three boreholes, with plans underway to expand coverage and ensure every sub-location has access to a borehole and a reliable water supply.
"Currently, we have about 32 water projects ongoing. Our goal is to ensure every sub-location has a borehole and ultimately provide water connectivity to every home and homestead," he said.
Focus on Education and Skills Development
Kihara highlighted significant investments in education, particularly in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE).
He said the county government has constructed 512 ECDE classrooms, a move that has improved learning environments and boosted enrollment across public primary schools.
"The ECDE model in Kiambu is among the best in the country. The improved infrastructure, feeding programme, and upgraded school uniforms have contributed to increased enrollment and improved learning outcomes," he said.
The county has also invested heavily in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, equipping them with modern machinery and resources aimed at enhancing practical skills among young people.
Water Resources Supporting Nairobi and Beyond
Kihara noted that Kiambu County hosts critical water infrastructure, including Karimenu Dam and Ruiru Dam, which supply water to Nairobi and surrounding areas.
He said partnerships built around these strategic resources have enabled the county to expand water access projects while also benefiting from corporate social responsibility initiatives that support schools and road development.
"Through these partnerships, we have continued to ensure that villages and homesteads across the county have access to water while also benefiting from community development programmes," he said.
Digital Transformation Through Smart Water Metering
As part of its push toward innovation and efficient service delivery, Kiambu County has embraced digital technology in water management.
Kihara cited the Majisafi App and the digitization of water meters by county water companies, including Ruiru Water and Sewerage Company, as key milestones in modernizing service delivery.
The county currently oversees several water service providers serving Karuri, Ruiru, Thika, Githunguri, Limuru, and Kiambu areas.
"We have digitalized our water meters. Officers no longer need to move from one homestead to another to take readings. From the comfort of the office, we can monitor water consumption and improve efficiency in service delivery," he explained.
2026 Africa Public Service Day Celebrations
Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, called for accelerated reforms in Kenya's public sector, emphasizing the need for improved productivity, accountability, and citizen-centered service delivery.
Speaking during the official opening of the 2026 Africa Public Service Day celebrations at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Monday morning, Ruku said strong public institutions and strategic partnerships are critical to achieving universal access to water and sanitation across Africa by 2063.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that governments must move beyond merely providing services and instead focus on delivering measurable results that improve the lives of citizens.
"We must not only build a public service that merely functions, but one that performs and delivers quality services to the citizens," Ruku said.
He underscored the importance of performance-based management, arguing that public servants should be evaluated on outcomes rather than the amount of time spent in the office.
"Our focus must not be on the number of hours that people work or stay late in the office, but on how we meet the needs and expectations of citizens seeking services in public institutions and agencies," he said.
Ruku also highlighted the growing threat posed by climate change to water resources, warning that prolonged droughts and changing weather patterns continue to put pressure on the continent's water supply.
"Climate change is a reality. Scientific data has shown it is a reality," he said, calling for greater investment in water security, environmental conservation, sustainable infrastructure, and catchment protection.
The CS further stressed that achieving the goals of Africa's Agenda 2063 would require collaboration among governments, development partners, the private sector, civil society organizations, and local communities.
"Government alone cannot deliver the scale of transformation required to meet the aspirations of Agenda 2063," he noted.
At the same time, Ruku directed the Ministry of Public Service to fast-track the completion of the Public Sector Transformation Policy, saying the reforms are necessary to modernize government operations and improve service delivery.
He also challenged public institutions to address concerns around career progression and productivity, arguing that promotions should be based on performance and results rather than years served.
"Promotions must not be based on years worked, but rather on results," he said.
The Cabinet Secretary further urged public institutions to benchmark against leading economies and embrace a culture of efficiency and excellence.
"If Singapore or South Korea is our benchmark, then public servants and indeed citizens must start focusing on productivity per hour rather than mere attendance at the workplace," he added.
The Africa Public Service Day celebrations have brought together government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and private sector players to discuss innovative solutions for strengthening public institutions and advancing sustainable development across the continent under the theme: 'Enhancing Public Sector Institutions and Partnerships to Achieve Universal Water Availability and Safe Sanitation by 2063.'
The Africa Public Service Day 2026 celebrations are being held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from June 22 to June 23 under the auspices of the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes and the African Union.
The event has brought together national and county governments, public institutions, and development partners to showcase innovations and achievements in public service delivery across the continent.
Comments
Post a Comment