Lodwar – 7th October 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

Three county water companies are set to commence digital data collection and management, using KoboToolbox, aims to enhance the efficiency of water service delivery through evidence-based planning across county.

Meter reading, billing, and revenue collection officers are undergoing a five-day training supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The training focuses on configuring tool box for field operations and practical data collection and analysis.

The participants were drawn from three water companies; Turkana Urban Water and Sewerage Company (TUWASCO), Turkana Rural Water Services Company (TURWASCO), and Kakuma, Lopur, and Letea Water and Sanitation Company (KALWASCO).

The training was titled “KoboToolbox for Data Management and Analysis”. The  tool box is a free, open-source platform for designing forms, collecting data, and managing information for social impact projects.

Speaking during the opening session, County Executive for Water Services, Willyjustus Lopeyok, emphasized the importance of adopting digital tools in improving service delivery.

“Digital platforms like KoboToolbox will transform how we collect, analyze, and use data to make informed decisions and enhance water provision to our people,” he said.

He added that the system would assist address challenges related to inaccurate meter readings and overbilling, thus improving accuracy and strengthening customer confidence.

Handling 422 meters in her zone, Rael Atyang of TUWASCO, said using the tool box would assist in enhancing customer care service.

“Collecting customer complaints in real time and tracking response and resolution of issues will improve services,” she said.

Lead trainer Edwin Wachira from the Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) noted that reliable and timely data is essential for effective management in the water sector.

“In the modern water sector, data is not just information; it is the foundation for sound decision-making,” he stated.

ICT and Compliance Officer for TURWASCO, Josephat Ewaat, said that the tool would assist the organisation make informed decisions on addressing the gaps.

“It will also improve the effectiveness and accountability enabling better service delivery in rural areas of Turkana,” he said.

The County Executive was accompanied by Victorsam Ekaran, Managing Director of TURWASCO.

Running concurrently was also an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training in Kakuma. It brought together participants from the water companies and Peace Winds Japan.  They were plumbers, electricians, human resource officers, meter readers and water quality and drivers.

The OSH was facilitated by Dr. Atsushi Hanatani, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nexus Advisor to the Department of Refugee Services and Walter Moseti, KEWI–JICA Programs Coordinator. The objective of the course is to improve compliance with the requirements of the OSH Act.

The courses were the second and third of nine training sessions planned over the coming months to strengthen the technical capacity of the workers.