REVIEW OF THE PROGRESS OF THE PROGRAM'S IMPLEMENTATION

The Kenya Water Sanitation and Hygiene Program (K-WASH) team, today held an engagement meeting with stakeholders in Kirinyaga County to review the progress of the program’s implementation. The session brought together various partners, including Rukanga Makutano Water and Sanitation PLC, and focused on the Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLI) 6, 7 and 8. In the discussions, it was noted that the utility has remained compliant with key legal and regulatory requirements for good governance. The operating license is valid for three years from September 16, 2022 to December 15, 2025, with renewal processes already underway. Tariff renewal documents have also been submitted to WASREB and feedback is being awaited. Performance contracts for the financial years 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 have been signed and submitted, while the Performance Improvement Action Plan (PIAP) was approved on May 29, 2025. A review of the company’s performance, using 2024 as the baseline year, showed that non-revenue water stands at 23 percent, while the metering ratio has reached 100 percent. Revenue collection efficiency is at 95 percent, with a cost coverage ratio of 0.85. Customers are receiving water supply for an average of 23 hours per day, with staffing levels standing at eight employees per 1,000 connections. Overall water coverage in the service area currently stands at 57 percent. Despite these gains, challenges remain in accessing commercial financing. The company cited high borrowing rates, increased costs from interest charges and processing fees, as well as collateral limitations that make it difficult to secure assets to guarantee loans. These constraints continue to reduce access to much-needed credit. The summary presentation by Rukanga Makutano Water and Sanitation PLC formed the key highlight of the engagement, underscoring both the progress made and the hurdles that must be addressed to strengthen the delivery of water, sanitation and hygiene services in Kirinyaga County.