The government has unveiled a plan to ensure that every citizen has access to clean water by 2030. Currently, the availability of clean water in the country stands at 72%. In an effort to bridge this gap, the government has earmarked KES 300 billion to fund various water projects across the nation. These initiatives are part of a broader vision to achieve 100% clean water availability within the next decade.
A significant portion of these projects will be implemented in collaboration with the private sector, leveraging their resources and expertise to accelerate progress. One such private sector initiative was highlighted during a recent event where The Village Drill company launched a new machine designed for borehole drilling. This innovative technology is expected to play a crucial role in expanding water access, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Speaking at the event, Julius Korir, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Water and Sanitation, underscored the importance of private sector involvement in achieving the government’s water access goals. “Such initiatives as we’re witnessing here today are part of the role of the private sector in ensuring that water coverage is accelerated in the country,” Korir stated. His remarks reflect the government’s recognition of the vital role that private companies play in driving infrastructure development and improving public services.
The Village Drill’s new machine represents a significant technological advancement in the well-drilling process. The Director of Operations at The Village Drill, Mike Anderson expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to transform water access in rural and impoverished regions. “With this new technology, we’ll be able to bring really low-cost boreholes to extremely rural and extremely poor areas,” he said. He added that a well-trained drill crew could drill two to three boreholes per month, which would significantly enhance water access in these communities. “We’re hoping to get more trained drill crews drilling boreholes all across the country,” he continued, emphasizing the company’s commitment to scaling up operations to meet the national target.
The partnership between the government and the private sector is seen as a critical step towards achieving the ambitious goal of universal clean water access. By combining public funding with private sector innovation and efficiency, the initiative aims to overcome the logistical and financial challenges that have historically hindered water infrastructure development.
