lowereas
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday took centre stage at the Senate after appearing before the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, where he robustly defended his administration’s water sector reforms and investment strategy aimed at addressing chronic water scarcity in the county.
Governor Mutula used the Senate session to outline far-reaching measures his government had undertaken to modernise water management, telling senators that Makueni had embraced automation of water systems, smart metering and smart kiosks as part of a broader strategy to curb non-revenue water and eliminate both physical and commercial losses.
He informed the committee that the county government, working through strategic partnerships, had invested over Sh300 million in water projects, a move that had significantly expanded access to water in one of Kenya’s most water-stressed regions.
The governor further raised concerns over the continued use of underground water resources originating from Makueni to supply Mombasa City, noting that residents of the source county continued to grapple with acute shortages. He told senators that most borehole water in Makueni was saline and unsuitable for human consumption, underscoring the urgency of sustainable and equitable water resource management.
Mutula’s presentation drew praise from the committee, with Chairperson Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipsang William Kipkemoi commending the county government for what he described as prudent management of county investments, particularly in the water sector.
Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo backed the governor’s submissions, calling for the fast-tracking of the stalled Thwake Dam, which he said remained a critical long-term solution to the county’s water challenges.
The Senate appearance positioned Governor Mutula as a key voice on water governance, reinforcing his administration’s push for accountability, innovation and fairness in the management of vital natural resources.
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