Nakuru County has embarked on a major upgrade of its sewerage system, specifically a 279-meter sewer line in Hilton, London Ward, Nakuru West Sub-County. The project, funded by the World Bank through the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (KISIP), aims to provide improved sanitation services to over 250 households in the area.
County Engineer Michael Kamau, during an inspection of the ongoing works, highlighted that the rehabilitation includes constructing ten manholes and installing uPVC pipes along Gumba Road, which will connect to an existing sewer line on Siaya Road. Kamau noted that, prior to the upgrade, many local residents lacked proper sewage disposal systems, putting them at risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
By upgrading the sewer system, Nakuru County is taking a critical step toward safeguarding public health and protecting the environment. Kamau explained that untreated wastewater often contaminates local ecosystems, posing serious risks to both human health and the surrounding environment. The new sewer infrastructure will prevent untreated water from entering local waterways, contributing to cleaner, healthier communities.
The project is part of a broader initiative by the county government to create a more livable and sustainable urban environment. In addition to the sewer upgrade, the initiative also includes the construction of bitumen-standard roads, footpaths, stormwater drainage systems, and high-mast floodlights along Gumba, Geko, and Roho Safi roads. These improvements are expected to enhance safety and accessibility for residents and businesses alike.
Engineer Kamau praised Governor Susan Kihika for her commitment to promoting public health and sustainable development in Nakuru County. He emphasized that the sewer upgrade project reflects the county’s dedication to improving the quality of life for its citizens.
Kamau attributed the lack of a comprehensive sewerage system in some areas of Nakuru to several factors, including rapid urban growth, resource constraints, topographical challenges, and the proliferation of informal settlements. He explained that Nakuru’s fast-paced development has often outpaced infrastructure planning, leaving many parts of the city without proper sewerage systems.
The county’s geography, with its varied elevation and terrain, also presents engineering challenges for constructing a sewerage network. Certain areas require more complex infrastructure, including pumping stations, to ensure effective waste management. Additionally, many of Nakuru’s residents live in informal settlements that lack basic infrastructure like sewer systems, making integration into the city’s sewage network a long-term and resource-intensive process.
Despite these challenges, Kamau noted that Nakuru County is making significant strides in improving its sewerage infrastructure, as demonstrated by the Hilton, London Ward rehabilitation project. He acknowledged that addressing the broader issue of creating a citywide sewerage system will require a long-term, multi-faceted approach, but the county is committed to this goal.