Kitui Water and Sanitation Company (KITWASCO) has marked two decades of steady growth and transformation, emerging as a key pillar in the delivery of water and sanitation services across Kitui County. Established on April 6, 2006, following the enactment of the Water Act 2002, the company was formed to professionalize and streamline water service delivery, a mandate that has since been strengthened under the Water Act 2016 and the devolved system of governance.
From its humble beginnings under the former Kitui Municipal Council, KITWASCO has grown into a fully county-owned entity aligned with national regulatory frameworks set by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB). The company’s role is anchored in providing water services and developing infrastructure within its licensed areas, in line with constitutional provisions that transferred water service delivery to county governments.
At inception, KITWASCO operated with only 20 staff members and about 800 customer connections, serving limited areas such as Masinga town, Ithookwe, and parts of Kitui Central. Today, the company boasts a workforce of 108 employees and over 11,300 active connections, reflecting a significant expansion in service coverage. Its pipeline network has grown from 120 kilometers to an impressive 2,500 kilometers, now reaching multiple sub-counties including Kitui West, Kitui South, Kitui East, Kitui Rural, and parts of Mwingi West.
The company has also doubled its water treatment capacity at Masinga from 9,000 cubic meters to 18,000 cubic meters per day, with daily production rising to 11,000 cubic meters. Storage capacity has seen remarkable growth as well, increasing from just three tanks with a combined capacity of 3,800 cubic meters to 11 reservoirs holding over 17,100 cubic meters. These milestones underscore KITWASCO’s commitment to improving water accessibility and reliability across the county.
Beyond infrastructure expansion, KITWASCO has made notable strides in governance and operational efficiency. The company now operates under a fully compliant board as required by WASREB guidelines and has implemented a comprehensive strategic plan for 2024–2029. It has also achieved key statutory requirements under the Kenya Water and Sanitation Hygiene (KWASH) program, including maintaining a valid operating license, adopting approved tariffs, and publishing audited financial statements.
Further achievements include the construction of a modern headquarters in Misewani, adoption of a full cost recovery tariff in 2024, and integration of technology across billing, procurement, and human resource systems. The company has also maintained a 100 percent drinking water quality record—an accomplishment it cites as its competitive edge in service delivery.
The Annual General Meeting brought together top county leadership and key stakeholders in the water sector, underscoring the importance of KITWASCO’s role in service delivery. Among those in attendance were the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Peter Nkunda, and the CECM for Finance, Peter Mwikya Kilonzo. The event was also graced by KITWASCO Managing Director June, Kitui County Secretary Agnes Mulewa, and Chief Officer for Water Nathan Vungo. Also present was the Chairperson of the Kitui County Public Service Board, Frolence Makindi, alongside several commissioners and stakeholders drawn from across the water and governance sectors, reflecting a broad-based support for the company’s vision and milestones.
Despite these gains, KITWASCO continues to grapple with several challenges. Chief among them is the high level of Non-Revenue Water (NRW), currently standing at 46 percent, largely due to leakages, illegal connections, and metering inefficiencies. Aging infrastructure, particularly at the Masinga treatment plant, poses operational difficulties, while rising electricity costs continue to inflate production expenses.
The company is also dealing with a growing burden of unpaid bills from customers, as well as high regulatory levies imposed by institutions such as the Water Resources Authority (WRA). In some areas like Kangukangu and Kyangulu, low voltage power supply has affected water distribution, while inadequate supply has led to rationing in several parts of the county.
To address these challenges, KITWASCO is implementing a range of mitigation measures. These include upgrading infrastructure with support from national agencies such as the Tanathi Water Works Development Agency (TAWWDA), exploring solar energy solutions to reduce electricity costs, and enhancing revenue collection systems. Plans are also underway to improve last-mile sewer connectivity and to complete major projects like the Umaa Dam through the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA).
As KITWASCO celebrates its 20th anniversary, the company reflects on a journey defined by resilience, reform, and growth. With a clear vision of becoming an excellent provider of water and sanitation services, and a mission centered on sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, the utility is positioning itself for even greater impact in the years ahead.
The anniversary not only marks a milestone in the company’s history but also serves as a reminder of the critical role water service providers play in improving livelihoods and supporting development at the grassroots level.
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