Lokichar, 25th March 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The Turkana Urban Water and Sanitation Company (TUWASCO) will soon expand its jurisdiction to Kalokol, a major step in its long-term plan to improve water access for residents of urban areas of Turkana under their jurisdiction.
The expansion aligns with TUWASCO’s strategic objective of increasing its coverage area, ensuring that more urban residents and businesses have access to a reliable water supply.
Kalokol, the third most populated urban center in Turkana after Lodwar and Kakuma, has long operated without a formal water utility, despite being a major industrial hub.
With reports indicating that Kalokols’ economy revolves around the fishing value chain, boat-making, and a robust transport sector, water access has remained erratic, largely controlled by cartels that have led to unequal distribution and inflated prices.
Over the last three years, the County invested up to ksh 80 million to establish a mega water supply system with a pipeline extension of more than 18 kilometres stretching from Ngibeyotunga to main town centre.
The takeover by TUWASCO will firmly place the town water supply under a competent management for the benefit of the residents.
“Kalokol town will for the first time experience a transformation in service delivery. The takeover will bring order and sustainability to its water supply,” Chair of the Turkana Urban Water Philip Aemun Ebei said.
Chief Officer, Simon Etom, emphasized that the move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its jurisdiction and acquire new schemes.
“This expansion will ensure residents and businesses get the water they need for daily use and economic activities,” he said.
The addition of Kalokol to TUWASCO’s portfolio is also expected to boost the company’s revenue. With its annual revenue currently ranging between KSh 75 and 80 million, TUWASCO has set a target of KSh 96 million for the current financial year.
Given Kalokol’s large population and commercial activity, the expansion is projected to help meet this target, making the utility more financially sustainable.
Beyond revenue growth, the shift will also introduce structured management of water services in Kalokol, ensuring fair pricing, better maintenance of infrastructure, and improved accountability in service provision.
The move is expected to reduce water disruptions, improve sanitation, and eliminate the exploitation of consumers by private water vendors.
The expansion was revealed during a governance training attended by the TUWASCO board, facilitated by the Kenya School of Government, as part of preparations for the company’s 2025-2026 performance contract.
