After years of struggle with inconsistent water supply caused by frequent electricity outages and financial constraints, residents of Maralal have welcomed the commissioning of the rehabilitated and solarized Maralal Water Treatment Plant. Supported by USAID through the Feed the Future initiative, this project marks a major step toward addressing the chronic water challenges in the region.

The Maralal Water Treatment Plant had long grappled with operational inefficiencies due to frequent power outages caused by unpaid electricity bills. This inconsistency discouraged customers from paying for water, further straining revenue generation and pushing operational costs higher. The newly installed 20 kW solar power system is expected to reverse this trend by reducing energy costs and extending pumping hours, ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for the community.

Speaking during the commissioning, Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit expressed gratitude to USAID and its delegation for their critical support. The delegation included senior officials such as Ms. Mia Beers, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security, Ms. Danielle Mutone-Smith, Deputy Assistant to the Administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and Sheila Roquitte, Deputy Mission Director for USAID/KEA.

Also present were John Gardner, Director of the Center for Resilience, Daniel Ryan, USAID BHA Kenya Team Leader, and Andrew McCown, Feed the Future Coordinator, among others.

While in Samburu, the USAID team also toured several water systems constructed and rehabilitated by USAID Nawiri, an eight-year program led by Mercy Corps. Among the sites visited was Lkwasi village in Samburu East, where significant transformations have been realized. Reliable water access has allowed communities to turn to farming as an alternative source of livelihood. These efforts have also supported local development, with area Member of Parliament Hon. Jackson Lekumontare using water from the program to expand Lkwasi Primary School by building two classrooms and a staff house.

USAID Nawiri has introduced digital automated water kiosks in the village, enabling communities to pay for water using chips. This innovation ensures water is available to the public at any time and reduces wastage. Inspired by this success, the STAWI Project is now supporting Sawasco in installing similar systems in urban water kiosks, extending this convenience to urban areas.

Governor Lati highlighted the need for continued collaboration between development partners and Samburu Water and Sanitation Company (Sawasco) to ensure the sustainability of such initiatives.

“This solarization project not only secures consistent water access but also restores trust in service delivery, encouraging residents to pay for services and improving financial viability,” he remarked.

USAID representatives underscored the importance of these interventions, with Ms. Mia Beers emphasizing that access to reliable water is foundational for resilience, public health, and economic growth. By integrating renewable energy and digital solutions, these projects align with global sustainability goals while addressing local needs.

Residents expressed optimism that these initiatives would alleviate water shortages, enhance public health, and open up new opportunities for economic activities. With reduced operational costs and improved revenue collection, these interventions are expected to drive long-term benefits for communities across Samburu County.

The commissioning of the Maralal Water Treatment Plant, alongside the success stories from USAID Nawiri in Lkwasi village, demonstrates the transformative impact of partnerships between local governments and international development organizations in addressing water challenges and improving livelihoods.

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