Water for All: Natembeya Commissions Lifeline Project, Sponsors Education for Vulnerable Children

Governor George Natembeya on Saturday commissioned the Motosiet Safe Water Project at Gilgil School, marking a transformative moment for hundreds of residents set to benefit from improved access to clean and safe water.

The project, implemented in partnership with the Rotary Club of Kitale and supported by Rotary International, is expected to serve over 500 households, two schools, and nearby market centres. It features a solar-powered borehole, six water kiosks, a 12-foot elevated tank system with a 20,000-litre capacity, a biodigester for the secondary school, and household water filters.

Addressing residents during the launch, Natembeya described the initiative as a milestone in his administration’s push to ensure universal access to clean water. “Water is life, and we are committed to making it accessible within less than 500 metres for every household,” he said.

He noted that the county has already reduced the average distance to water sources from 5 kilometres to 1.5 kilometres over the past three years through multiple infrastructure projects and borehole installations.

The governor commended Bishop Tanguli and his family for their compassion and community spirit, particularly their role in caring for abandoned children and supporting the water project.

In a heartfelt gesture that drew applause from the crowd, Natembeya pledged to sponsor the education of five children under Bishop Tanguli’s care. “What this family is doing is a rare act of humanity. I will personally ensure that five of these children get an education,” he said.

The county has also made strides in expanding water infrastructure, including drilling and solarizing 27 boreholes, laying 52 kilometres of pipelines, protecting 27 springs, and upgrading the Nzoia Water Scheme. The Trans Nzoia Water and Sewerage Company now serves more than 86,000 households, collecting about KES 20 million in monthly revenue.

Speaking at the event, Bishop Tanguli thanked the county government for approving the project and lauded Rotary for its financial and technical support. Mrs. Christine Tanguli praised the governor for accelerating development and completing stalled projects in the region.

Rotary regional leader Kevin Onyango also expressed appreciation for the county’s collaboration, noting that partnerships remain key to delivering sustainable community projects.

The commissioning of the Motosiet Safe Water Project is expected to significantly improve public health, support local economic activities, and uplift the quality of life for residents in Trans Nzoia County.