Katilu, 15th January 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Turkana Rural Water and Sanitation Company (TURWASCO) has expanded its service coverage to Aroo Sub-County with the acquisition of four water schemes—Katilu, Kalemngorok, Korinyang, and Lokapel.
The recent take-over raises the number of schemes under the management of TURWASCO to five, with plans underway to upscale the take-over to all the possible schemes in their Jurisdiction.
The schemes, previously managed by respective community water user associations, were officially transferred to TURWASCO in a ceremony presided over by the Director of Legal Services, Advocate Ekai Nabenyo, and witnessed by the County Executive for Water Services, Patrick Losike Lokaimoe.
The takeover aligns with the County Department of Water’s strategy to professionalize water service delivery in rural areas, in accordance with the Turkana County Water Act 2019.
Commending TURWASCO for its swift expansion, CECM Lokaimoe emphasized the importance of extending professional water services to communities that previously lacked access to reliable supply.
“I also acknowledge the commendable efforts of the water user associations in managing these systems before the onset of new regulations that now mandate water companies to oversee operations,” he stated.
He further noted that devolution has ushered in a new era of development and transformation for Turkana, and the establishment of dedicated water companies ensures improved service delivery amid rising demand and climate-related challenges.
“TURWASCO was created as a special-purpose vehicle to professionalize water management and guarantee access to quality services. With structured oversight and investment, these schemes will now operate more efficiently to meet the needs of our communities,” he added.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone in the county’s broader water security agenda, ensuring that rural residents benefit from sustainable and professionally managed water services.
“This handover does not mean the end of community involvement, I urge the community to remain watchdogs of the company and ambassadors of change by supporting new initiatives like billing and water metering moving forward,” Lokaimoe stated.
Advocate Ekai Nabenyo said that the office of the County Attorney was working closely with all department including water services to ensure full legal compliance in all undertakings.
“Even in water provision, the law applies. Am glad that the Turkana Rural Water Company has followed the law in facilitating this takeover,” advocate Nabenyo stated.
While handing over transfer documents to the managing director of the TURWASCO, Vistorsam Ekaran, chair of Korinyang users associations James Nakapwan cited the need for continuous community engagement in the takeover process as the company plans to move to other rural locations.
Nakapwan cited that most of the schemes had witnessed dwindling returns from the investments due to sharp decrease in water levels, huge maintenance costs and sections of the community unwilling to pay for water services.
On his part, the MD Vistorsam Ekaran outlined upcoming plans after takeover including metering, quality mapping and community engagement to set service standards and meet the requirements of Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).
In addition to the scheme leadership, members and the public, the handover was also attended by Alfred Lomodei (SCA, Aroo), Mark Kotol (Ward administrator, Katilu).
Also, present were Patricia Mwangi Rural Water Specialist of USAID STAWI, Jamlick Mutie and Dominic Mbaluka of the Rural Water Management Solutions Kenya.
On his part, Godfrey Ikone Akolong, a member of the TURWASCO Board of Directors, said that the company was working hand in hand with partners to support the capacity building efforts of local communities on the takeover process.
