Leaders allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in Trans Nzoia County have accused the county government of failing to enhance last-mile piped water connectivity despite establishing its own water services company.
The leaders said many parts of the county still lack access to piped water, contrary to earlier promises that the delinking of Trans Nzoia Water and Sewerage Company (Transwasco) from Nzoia Water Services Company’s (Nzowasco)—which previously served both Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties—would improve service delivery and lower water bills.
Speaking at Baraka Primary School in Makutano Ward, Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang said the county government had failed in its responsibility to ensure last-mile connectivity despite assurances from Governor George Natembeya.
“The county government, which has the mandate over last-mile connectivity, has not fulfilled its promise. Residents are still struggling to access piped water,” said Chesang.
The Senator argued that Transwasco has not delivered the expected benefits as earlier hyped, noting that water services in the County have become more expensive compared to the period when Nzowasco was operational.
“Transwasco was supposed to address the challenges Nzowasco was accused of not solving. Water bills are very high yet water from Kapolet flows by gravity,” he added.
Endebess MP Robert Pukose said the national government and development partners had heavily invested in water tapping projects in Kapolet, which could significantly benefit residents if last-mile connections were enhanced across the County.
“The national government has further plans to improve the Kapolet water project, but this will only benefit residents if there are adequate last-mile connections,” said Dr. Pukose.
Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau said the water crisis in Trans Nzoia County could have been resolved through stronger collaboration between the county government and the national government.
“Billions of shillings released annually to Trans Nzoia County should translate into tangible services such as reliable piped water supply,” said Mr. Bisau.
Meanwhile, Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi said planned construction and operationalization of 28 new markets across the county bt the national government would be a key development milestone, urging leaders to prioritize unity, accountability, and improved service delivery for residents.
