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A REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT UNDERTAKEN AT

LAKE VICTORIA SOUTH WATER WORKS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY


FROM 4TH MAY TO 23RD JULY 2021

BY

SHIKHULE KEVIN IBRAHIM

ADMISSION NUMBER: BA/04054/2015

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE


AWARD OF DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATION AND
MEDIA STUDIES.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES.

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES.

MASENO UNIVERSITY.

© JULY, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENT

DECLARATION ii

ABSTRACT iii

DEDICATION iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT v

CHAPTER ONE 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT 2

1.3 BACKGROUND OF LAKE VICTORIA SOUTH WATER WORKS


DEVELOPMENT AGENCY 3

1.3.1 Vision, Mission and Core Values 4

1.3.2 Mandate of Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency 4

1.3.3 Stakeholders/ Clients 5

1.4 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF LVSWWDA 5

1.5 DEPARTMENT ATTACHED AND ITS ACTIVITIES 7

CHAPTER TWO 9

2.0 INTERN’S DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 9

2.1 INNOVATIONS/ CREATIVITY OF THE INTERN 12

2.2 KNOWLEDGE GAINED 13

CHAPTER THREE 14

3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 14

3.1 CONCLUSIONS 15

3.2 APPENDICES (EVIDENCE OF INTERN’S WORK) 16


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DECLARATION

DECLARATION BY THE STUDENT

I hereby declare that the information in this document is my original work based on truth and

cited all activities and duties that I undertook while on attachment. The information has been

obtained and presented in accordance with academic rules and ethical conduct. I also declare

that, as required by these rules and conduct, I have fully written this report. I therefore declare

that this material is my original work.

NAME: SHIKHULE KEVIN IBRAHIM

ADMISSION NUMBER: BA/04054/2015

Signature.................................................. Date.....................................

DECLARATION BY THE SUPERVISOR

This attachment report has been submitted with my approval as Maseno University supervisor.

NAME: MR. OJUONDO GEORGE

Signature………………………………… Date…………………………………….

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ABSTRACT

This report is aimed to provide an overview of what I have done for three months at Lake
Victoria South Water Works Development Agency as an attaché in the department of Corporate
Services Department and was compiled in the fulfillment of Bachelors of Arts in Communication
and Media Technology with IT of Maseno University.

The report entails an analysis of learnt knowledge, a profile of skills and competence acquired
and applied in the Corporate Services Department of LVSWWDA. It also highlights the general
and specific activities undertaken during the industrial attachment period such as writing articles,
maintaining customer relations, event planning and coverage, social media management,
customer care management, preparation of media briefings, photography, conducting interviews,
and facilitation of visits and donations.

The report also contains an evaluation framework on a three month attachment basis, the
observations made and challenges encountered during the period. It also entails a strategy for
utilization of contacts established during attachment. A summary, conclusion and
recommendation made for the organization and the learning institution is also included in this
report.

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DEDICATION

First and foremost, I wish to express my gratitude to almighty God for giving me the strength to
perform my duties as an attaché and completed the report within the stipulated time.

Secondly, I dedicate this report to my family for supporting me throughout my study.

To my institution supervisor Mr. George Ojuondo I appreciate him a lot for his commitment and
creating time to come and supervise me to ensure that the attachment requirements are fulfilled.

Last but not least, I dedicate this report to Ms. Maureen Odiwuor and Ms. Lilian Badia, both of
the Corporate Services Department at LVSWWDA for their support and guidance throughout the
attachment period.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The development of this report took the effort, support and guidance of a number of people
whom I wish to thank. My deepest gratitude goes to the management and staff of Lake Victoria
South Water Works Development Agency for giving me a chance to be part of them and for their
unwavering support, more so to the Corporate Services Department.

I would also like to offer much appreciation to my family for their prayers throughout my course.
I cannot end without paying tribute to the entire Communication and Media Studies Department
of Maseno University for their constructive training and knowledge imparted in me throughout
my study.

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CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The industrial attachment training is an essential component of the curriculum of the


Communication and Media Studies Department of Maseno University and therefore no
graduation without going for the industrial attachment, assessed and completed the required
period hence compulsory.

The attachment period is usually a maximum of twelve weeks, during which the student is
expected to acquire additional practical experience and work-based skills to supplement their
course study in the University. They are also exposed to the real world of work and its challenges
which will prepare them towards their future careers.

This report is the outcome of the twelve weeks practical training I had at Lake Victoria South
Water Works Development Agency in Kisumu City.

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1.2 OBJECTIVES OF INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT

Some of the important objectives of the industrial attachment are as follows:

● To assess the interest of the student in the occupation he/she plans to undertake.

● To expose the students to work methods not taught in the University and to provide access to

products and equipment not normally available in the environment of the University.

● To learn how to manage time and handle priorities at work place and meeting deadlines as

per the authority.

● To equip one with knowledge and the regulations governing their profession in the work

environment.

● To provide the students with an opportunity to apply knowledge in real work situations

thereby closing the gap between University work and the actual practice.

● To be familiarized with the actual working conditions and the latest technology at the

workplace and the corporate world.

● To make the transition from school to the world of work smoothly and to enhance student

contacts for job placement.

● To enlist and strengthen employers involvement in institutional activities and in the entire

educational process of preparing the students for employment in industry.

● To enhance industry´s satisfaction with the graduates of the Faculty in particular and the

University at large therefore marketing the student as a potential in the job market.

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1.3 BACKGROUND OF LAKE VICTORIA SOUTH WATER WORKS

DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) formerly Lake Victoria
South Water Services Board (LVSWSB) is a state corporation under the Ministry of
Environment, Water and Natural Resources (MEWNRs). It is among the eight Water Service
Boards established under the Water Act (2002) vide a Gazette Notice No. 1714 of 12th March,
2004 with the mandate of ensuring efficient and economic provision of water and sanitation
services in its area of jurisdiction as authorized by the Water Services Provision license and
mandated by Section 53[1] of the Water Act 2002.

In 2004, the Board started its operations in administrative counties within the former Nyanza
Province and the Southern part of the Rift Valley. LVSWWDA covers ten counties in its area of
jurisdiction with a total surface area of 21,720 Km2 . The counties include; Kisumu, Siaya,
Migori, Homabay, Bomet, Kericho, Kisii, Nyamira, and parts of Nandi, and Narok Counties.

The mandate of LVSWWDA is to be responsible for efficient and economical provision of water
and sanitation services within its area of jurisdiction as authorized by the Water Services
Provision License and mandated by Section 68 of Water Act 2016.

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1.3.1 Vision, Mission and Core Values

Vision

Sustainable Water and Sanitation for all.

Mission

To develop viable water and sanitation infrastructure, working closely with our stakeholders to
improve quality of life.

Core Values

The following are the values that have shaped how customers, partners and the general public are
engaged.

⮚ Professionalism

⮚ Equity

⮚ Accountability

⮚ Integrity

⮚ Teamwork

1.3.2 Mandate of Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency

Undertake the development, maintenance and management of the national public water works
within the Agency’s area of jurisdiction.
The core functions of LVSWWDA as per the mandate include:

✔ Undertake the development, maintenance, and management of national public water


works within its area of jurisdiction.
✔ Provide the Cabinet Secretary in charge of water with technical assistance in discharge of
his function.
✔ Provide technical services and capacity building to county governments and water
services providers as may be requested.
✔ Own and manage water related assets developed through loans and handover to county
authorities after repayments of development loans.

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✔ Collaboration with all stakeholders both within and outside the water sector to mobilize
finances and provide related social infrastructure.
✔ Provide reserve capacity for purposes of providing water services where need arises.
✔ Own and manage water related assets within its area of jurisdiction.

1.3.3 Stakeholders/ Clients


● Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, and Water sector institutions.
● Government Ministries and Agencies
● County Governments
● Local community, industries and other groups
● Non-Government Agencies and Community Based Organisations
● Development partners
● Private sector and Civil Society Organisations
● General public.

1.4 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF LVSWWDA

Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency is organized into hierarchy with top,
middle and operational management. The Agency has various departments and divisions which
assist in the delivery of quality services to the clients.

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1.5 DEPARTMENT ATTACHED AND ITS ACTIVITIES

Details of the attached Department


I was attached to the Corporate Communication Division at Lake Victoria South Water Works
Development Agency. The Division falls under the Department of Corporate Services headed by
the Manager Corporate Services, Mr. Daniel Odoyo Owino who reports directly to the Chief
Executive Officer. The Corporate Communication Division is headed by Corporate
Communication Officer; Ms. Maureen Odiwuor.
The Corporate Communication Division acts as a link between the Agency and its clients or
publics. It deals with employees, volunteers, visitors, management board, the media, other
government agencies and the community. The Division has a Communication Assistant;
currently vacant and Customer Care Officers who report to the Corporate Communication
Officer. The Corporate Communication Officer foresees the daily operations of the Division in
order to ensure successful accomplishment and efficient of the set objectives. Additionally, she
assists in monitoring and evaluation of staffs’ performances.
The Communication Assistant Officer is in charge of events management, publications and
media relations. The Customer Care Officers listen to complaints, comments and help resolve
grievances in various sections of the organization and the general public. All the staff members
work together with an aim of meeting the overall departmental targets.

Departmental Duties and Activities


The Corporate Communication Division undertakes the following key roles and activities by
officers from the Public Relations and Communication profession:

● Branding of vehicles, supplies and equipment including putting the Agency name and logo.
● Writing of press releases, speeches, briefs etc.
● Media relations and liaison; organizing for press visits and press conferences.
● Community outreach and partnerships which also includes the Community Social
Responsibility.

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● Digital and online engagement; this includes the website and social media sites like
Facebook and Twitter.
● Media monitoring that helps monitor all electronic and print material that touches on the
agency therefore enabling the reviewing and correction of any erroneous reporting.
● Events coordination and management e.g. venue branding during corporate and outreach
events.
● Content development/messaging and production.
● Internal communication and employee engagement
● Production of display panels, leaflets/flyers, brochures and newsletters.
● Crisis and issues communication including customer care handling.
● Making of the brand touch points like Staff identification cards, business cards, office tags,
envelopes, banners, staff uniforms etc.

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CHAPTER TWO

2.0 INTERN’S DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As an attaché at Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, I was assigned some
specific duties and also underwent various trainings in the Corporate Communication Division
where I managed to learn several skills related to my field of study and at the end of it, I felt
satisfied because my expectations were met. During the training period I was assigned the
following tasks:

⮚ Photography
⮚ Writing of press releases
⮚ Event planning and management
⮚ Writing articles for publication
⮚ Editing of documents
⮚ Writing and editing of speeches
⮚ Customer care management
⮚ Facilitation visits and donations
⮚ File tracing, printing, typing, scanning and photocopying of documents

Photography
I was actively involved in taking photos during events. This included during the commissioning
of the Siaya Bondo water supply project by H.E Uhuru Kenyatta, Borehole projects in Bomet
County, the visit by EU’s Acting Ambassador Ms, Katrine Hagemann at the Dunga Intake plant
and Kisat Sewer treatment plant. Furthermore I took photos for the tender opening function and
the complaint handling to be used for the Commission of Administrative Justice’s quarterly
report. As communication department, photography was very important since photos taken were
used for various reasons. For instance, for advertising, as a compliment to articles posted on
social media pages, used in banners, newsletters, brochures and documentaries for publicity. As
a result, it is required to take a professional photo that communicates not just a common photo.
This task improved my photography skills and made me a professional photographer.

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Writing of Press/News Releases
While writing the stories and articles, I was also advised to write a press release for each from
the Project Briefs to sharpen my skills on press release writing. These were proposed to be
uploaded onto the website page for future references on the commissioned projects. Facts were
to be stated clearly as press releases are what the media houses use to do a story for the public to
consume.

Event Planning and Management


As part of my training at Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, I was able to
learn how to plan and manage events. I took part in preparation and labeling of the various
banners to be used during the events, purchasing of the tools and equipment, participating in
erecting the banners and coordinating in the sitting arrangement of the guests. I also covered the
event by taking photos and writing articles which was posted on the Agency’s Facebook page,
Twitter handle and the official website.

Writing articles for publication


I took part in writing stories and articles of commissioned projects I took part in. This included
the Siaya Bondo water supply project and the borehole projects in Bomet County. In addition, I
was assigned to do other articles and stories from the project briefs that were commissioned
during the time we were in Bomet County by the Board Directors. I also did a story on the water
situation in a number of Counties for uploading to the Agency’s Website.

Editing of documents
During the attachment period I was involved in editing various documents and notable was the
Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency’s Communication Strategy and Policy
Handbook. This entailed going through the document word by word, sentence after sentence
noting the spelling, punctuation and grammar mistakes among others. This sharpened my editing
skills and made me adjust and learn to work on set timelines as the document was to be
completed within a set time frame.

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Writing and Editing of speeches
Fortunately, my attachment couldn’t end without me working on speeches. I was privileged to
work on a number of speeches of the top management officers of the Agency that were used
during the commissioning and handing over of a number of projects and different official
functions. The speeches were from the past and most recent functions that needed to be
incorporated into the Agency’s website as directed by my supervisor.

Customer Care Management


On numerous occasions, I was assigned to work at the Customer Care desk or Reception where I
directed clients in signing the visitors’ book and sanitizing to help curb the spread of Covid-19
thereafter guiding to various offices for them to be served. Dealing with the various
publics/clientele made me improve on my audibility and communication skills. I also assisted in
solving problems and dealing with complaints, suggestions about the Agency and
helping customers by advising them on institutional policies, procedures and processes. This
aimed at not only creating, maintaining and enhancing the reputation of the Agency but also to
promote good relationship between the Agency and its publics.

Facilitation of Visits, Donations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)


The Corporate Communication Division is responsible for organizing visits and donations in the
Agency. It receives requests and gives approvals for such events to go on and takes part on
projects meant to be for giving back to the society. Ongoing is a donation project to various
schools of the hand washing equipment which are undergoing labelling by painting the Agency’s
logo before distribution to the targeted schools to help in curbing the spread of the Covid-19.

File tracing, Typing, Printing, Photocopying and Scanning of documents.


Computer skills learnt as a common unit in Maseno University came in handy when it was time
to perform the above duties. These are common official duties that are necessary for easy
delivery of services. I performed the duties with utmost care as they were critical in
communicating with fellow staff and other publics. It included doing memos and accompanying
them with necessary documents for them to be worked on accordingly. Different files had a
specific purpose and folio number was to be recorded accordingly.

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2.1 INNOVATIONS/ CREATIVITY OF THE INTERN

During my attachment period at the Agency, there are a number of things I did that made it easy
for me to perform the delegated tasks with ease. They were generally simple but when ignored
can make work very hard and not interesting.

Before an event, I made sure that the camera was charged to full capacity and that it had enough
power to take photos for the event. Due to some impromptu visits where some needed photos,
the camera needed to have power all the time.

The storage disk in the camera needed to be checked to ensure there is enough space for photo
sessions. Previously taken photos are to be saved for future use or reference. This is because
there is only one functional camera.

Labeling of the carrier bags for banners is very important and they should be kept as labeled so
as to save on time while erecting them for specific functions.

While serving clients at the customer care desk, they should record and fill the customer
surveillance form so as to get the perception of the clients on the services offered.

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2.2 KNOWLEDGE GAINED

During the three months attachment period, I was able to acquire knowledge and skills which
formed the bedrock of my future career development. The strategies learnt in event management,
writing and editing of articles, customer care handling, and photography among others form a
basis of my career progression. Therefore, I am confident in applying the knowledge and skills I
have learnt in any organization that may give me an opportunity to offer my services in my
career. Upon completion, I have learnt:

● To take photos that speak for different occasions and audience


● To plan, manage and execute an event successfully
● Interpersonal communication skills and how to interact confidently with people
irrespective of their position and status.
● To work on set timelines and report to work early so as to complete work on time
● The importance of team work is at work place not only within the department but also
with other departments within the Agency
● To work in all situations be it under minimal supervision or under pressure

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CHAPTER THREE

3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

Having completed a three months extensive training in the Corporate Communication Division
of Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, I was able to come up with the
following recommendations to help improve in service delivery in the Department and the
Agency at large. They include:
i. The procurement department should increase the number of printing papers to the
Division since most of the work requires printing and photocopying of documents. Also
the printers should be frequently serviced to make work easier for the staff to work
effectively.
ii. The social media sites and the website at LVSWWDA is active but needs more input.
The use of social media should be encouraged as clients/ stakeholders are getting more
digital as time goes by. Other departments should also make it a routine to share what is
meant for public consumption with the Corporate Communication Division.
iii. There is urgent need to recruit employees to the Division specialized in different sections
so that they can increase productivity to avoid overworking available employees. Needed
are the Corporate Communication Assistants; one in-charge of media relations and
platform and the other for events and publications.
iv. Staff training should be given a priority so that the staff members can be enlightened
and exposed to various working environments not just having a mindset of customer care
services only. This also helps them open up their minds in solving problems promptly
and working efficiently.
v. There is an urgent need for purchasing of advanced equipment like the cameras and
editing software in liaison with the Information Technology department to ease delivery
of services. This will reduce the overdependence on hiring of external service providers
which is expensive for the Agency.

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3.1 CONCLUSIONS

Industrial attachment is essential to all learners since it exposes them to a wide range of
practical experience that compliments the course work. This in return makes a student prepare
for the competitive job market and be able to apply the skills acquired during the training period
in order to excel.

The main role of corporate communication is to establish your brand, promote your products or
services and gain new customers. When done well, corporate communication will not only help
you get new customers but will encourage your existing customers to stay loyal to your brand.
Corporate communications include social media, media relations, client events and advertising.

Corporate communications goals should also include internal organization’s communication.


This helps management keep other staff in the know about what’s going on and helps to
strengthen the various departments in the organization. Internal communications include
company newsletters, regular emails, memos and staff team-building events among others.

At first the attachment period was not enjoyable since I had not familiarized myself with both the
Agency’s staff and the working environment. As time went by it turned out to be very
interesting. I gained experience and skills in communication and public relations which was the
main reason for the attachment. This was possible thanks to the support I received from the staff
in the agency who were ready to assist when called upon. Having learnt and trained on the
various roles and activities done in the Corporate Communication division, I am now ready for
employment opportunities in the same field. Having learnt the theory work in the University and
later put it in practice, I am now a better person with practical experience both at work and
personal level.

However, as the saying goes, practice makes perfect, my three months training in the Corporate
Communication Division at Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency was not in
vain because I acquired adequate practical knowledge and work-based skills.

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3.2 APPENDICES (EVIDENCE OF INTERN’S WORK)

Photos taken during the visit by EU’s Acting Ambassador Ms, Katrine Hagemann at the Dunga Intake plant and
Kisat Sewer treatment plant on 31st May, 2021.
Photos: Shikhule K.

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Photos taken during the commissioning of the Kong’otik Borehole Project led by LVSWWDA Dir. Dr. Anne
Michura at Kong’otik Girls Secondary School in Bomet County on 16 th June, 2021.
Photos: Shikhule K.

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Photos taken during the commissioning of the Kuryot Borehole Project led by LVSWWDA Dir. Dr. Anne Michura at
Kuryot Primary School in Bomet County on 16th June, 2021.
Photos: Shikhule K.
COMMISSIONING OF THE SIAYA-BONDO WATER AND SANITATION PROJECT BY HIS
EXCELLENCY HON. UHURU KENYATTA, EGH.
Perpetual water shortage will now be a thing of the past for Siaya and Bondo towns residents following
the commissioning of Siaya Bondo Water and Sanitation Project by President Uhuru Kenyatta

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On 30th May, 2021, the president was joined by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Yala, Siaya
County.

President Uhuru Kenyatta unveils the plaque during commissioning of Siaya Bondo Water and Sanitation Project. Photo:
COURTESY

The project was implemented by Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA),
through the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation , and financed by the African Development Bank
(AfDB) and The Government of Kenya under the Kenya Small Towns Rural Water Supply and Sanitation
Programme at a cost of Kshs. 2.4 billion.

It is aimed to improve access, availability and sustainability of water supply and waste water services in
the towns of Siaya and Bondo.

Present during the commissioning were Cabinet Secretaries Sicily Kariuki (Water, Sanitation and
Irrigation), James Macharia (Transport), and Prof. George Magoha (Education), Principal Secretary Mr.
Joseph Irungu CBS, (Water, Sanitation and Irrigation), Siaya Deputy Governor Dr. James Okumbe,
Senator James Orengo among several leaders from and out of the region.

The President also commissioned the Last Mile Connectivity Programme that started in January 2021 at a
cost of 265 million and is expected to be complete by January 2022. It is aimed at extending water supply
to the doorsteps of the proposed beneficiaries willing to pay to get undisrupted water services in their
homes.

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The construction of the project entailed rehabilitation and expansion of existing water infrastructure at
Sidindi Malanga, and the transmission of by gravity to Siaya and Bondo through Kogello village. It also
involved the construction of sewer treatment facilities in Siaya and Bondo towns. The project’s
construction works commenced in November, 2013 and was substantially completed in December, 2018.

The project targets to serve a total of 201, 258 people with water supply and 50, 060 people with
sanitation services. Further, the water supply project sought to improve the quality of the life of the
people, catalyze commercial activities, drive economic growth, build resilience against climate change
and increase end-user connectivity to over 150, 000 new customers.

Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency is one of the nine Agencies under the Ministry
of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation with the mandate of development of the national water works on
behalf of the national government. It covers eight counties including: Bomet, Kericho, Kisumu, Siaya,
Migori, Nyamira, Kisii and Homa Bay.

President Uhuru Kenyatta inspects Yala Treatment Works moments after commissioning the Siaya Bondo Water and Sanitation
Project PHOTO: COURTESY

KURYOT RESIDENTS IN SOTIK ARE ALL SMILES AS THEY GET CLEAN WATER.

It was all jubilation at Kuryot Primary School as Directors of Lake Victoria South Water Works
Development Agency officially handed over the Borehole Water Project to the Bomet Water and
Sanitation Company and the community at large.

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Pupils of Kuryot Primary School, Kuryot dispensary and residents within the environs are set to benefit
from the supply of clean, affordable and sustainable portable water after it was commissioned by Dr. Ann
Michura, a Director at the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency on June 16th 2021.

LVSWWDA Board Director Dr. Ann Michura cutting the tape during the commissioning at Kuryot Primary School. Looking on is
the School Head teacher, area MCA and other board directors.
Photo: Shikhule K.

The project was implemented by LVSWWDA and financed by the Government of Kenya at a total cost of
KES. 4,820,180.68. Construction works were undertaken by Counternine Holding Limited.

The drilled borehole has a depth of 180 meters and has a capability of pumping 3,000 liters of water in
one hour using solar power after the installation of the solar panels. This makes it reliable as it is powered
by solar power which is a renewable source of energy and is always readily available.

The project’s main objective was to improve water supply within the school and the environs to meet
future water demand. This was also intended to salvage the school from the occasionally witnessed water
shortages that had become a thorn in the flesh of the pupils in achieving good academic grades due to
time spent in looking for water.

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LVSWWDA Board Director Dr. Ann Michura helping a beneficiary get water during the commissioning at Kuryot Primary
School. Looking on are Bomet County Water and Sanitation CEC other board directors.
Photo: Shikhule K.

Present during the commissioning were Bomet County Water and sanitation CEC, the area Member of
County Assembly among other leaders. The CEC promised to ensure water distribution to the area
polytechnic is done by allocation of funds in the new budget to provide for piping and storage tanks as the
water was enough to serve the institution so that students can have no access to clean and affordable
water.

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WATER AND SANITATION SERVICES IN BOMET COUNTY ON THE RIGHT
TRACK THANKS TO LAKE VICTORIA SOUTH WATER WORKS DEVELOPMENT
AGENCY

Water being a devolved function, the Government of Kenya (GoK) through Lake Victoria South Water
Works Development Agency has played a very crucial role to ensure Bomet County residents get access
to water and sanitation services with ease. Bomet County has a population of 875,689 people and an area
of 1,630km2 (2019 Census). The county’s major town is Bomet and currently water coverage is at 60%
and sanitation less than 10%. Water coverage is however expected to increase to about 80% once the new
water supply treatment plant is fully operationalized.

In regards to proving clean and sustainable water to Bomet residents, Lake Victoria South Water Works
Development Agency has completed a number of projects in the county at a cost of Kshs. 30 million
targeted to serve over 6,000 people. These projects include the rehabilitation and improvement of water
supply systems for Sotik towns under Water Sector Development Program funded by KfW, Koita Water
Project Supply Project and Chepkosa Water Project, Kabusare School and Marinyin Milk borehole, Lorna
Laboso Girls Borehole and Kaporuso water project.

Bomet Water and Sanitation Company (BOMWASCO) which is responsible for water and sanitation
service provision in the County owes LVSWWDA Kshs. 8 million as statutory levies. According to
Impact Report issue-12 released in June 2020 for FY 2018/2019 water sector performance, the Company
was ranked at position 68. The company faces a myriad of challenges in water and sanitation service
delivery including unreliable water production and supply due high electricity costs, high non-revenue
water leading to low revenues and inadequate sewer connectivity which need to be addressed urgently.

Furthermore, there are a number of planned projects to be undertaken by LVSWWDA including; the
Bomet – Mulot – Longisa Water Supply funded by African Development Bank at a cost of Kshs. 1.4
billion, Sotik Water Supply Project and Chepalungu Water Supply Project both whose funds are being
sourced.

The Bomet – Mulot – Longisa Water project is being implemented under the Kenya Towns Sustainable
Water Supply & Sanitation Program and aims to supply water to Bomet, Longisa, and Mulot towns and
their environs with its water source being Nyangores River. This project will install a water treatment
plant of 17,808,000 litres and targets to serve with water supply with an estimated population of 899, 833
by 2041.

Additionally, there are ongoing projects funded by the GoK at a cost of Kshs. 61 million and are planned
to benefit over 12,000 people once completed. They include; Kapkisiara Girls High School Borehole,
Kong’otik Girls Water Project, Kiromwok Secondary School Borehole, Chepchabas Water Project,
Keriba Borehole, Nyangores Water Project, Beregeiyet Primary School Borehole, Ondieki Water Project,
and Nduta Borehole.

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LAST MILE CONNECTIVITY A TREASURE FOR SIAYA AND BONDO
RESIDENTS
Siaya and Bondo town residents are set to benefit from the KSh. 200 million last mile connectivity
program that was commissioned by the H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta together with the former Prime
Minister Hon. Raila Odinga on 30th May, 2021 in Gem Constituency Siaya County.

The project which is being implemented by the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency
(LVSWWDA) is set to bring water closer to residents through construction of distribution lines, water
tanks, water kiosks and consumer metering to completed water supplies projects for Siaya and Bondo
towns.

Siaya-Bondo Water and Sanitation Company (SIBOWASCO) which is responsible for water and
sanitation service provision in the County will benefit from this project as it will enhance its revenue
collection and water distribution volumes.

The project also aims to address the gap between installed capacity and actual usage of the water
produced in the various water schemes. The main water schemes in the county include Sidindi-Malanga
water supply, Yala water supply, Asembo-Ndori water supply, South Sakwa water supply, Mauna water
supply and Ukwala water supply.

Currently, the project is at award stage for construction contract and it’s expected to be concluded within
a month after its commissioning. It is therefore expected that actual works will commence in three
months’ time due to the process of obtaining the requisite Tax Exemptions for materials, supplies and
equipment for works.

Siaya having a total population of 993,183 and 250,698 households according to the 2019 KPHC Census
Report, 100,000 residents are set to benefit directly under this project when complete. This project is
among the many done by LVSWWDA in Siaya County. Other planned projects include Boro Kanyaboli
Water Supply Project and Usenge Water Supply Project.
As one of the core functions of Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, the agency
undertakes to ensure there is access to water and sanitation services in its area of jurisdiction through
development, maintenance and management of the national public water works.

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WATER; A BLESSING FOR KONG’OTIK RESIDENTS IN BOMET EAST SUB-
COUNTY

More than 2,000 people within Kong’otik sub-location are set to benefit from the supply of clean,
affordable and sustainable portable water after it was commissioned by Dr. Ann Michura, a director at the
Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency on June 16th 2021 at Kong’otik Girls Secondary
School.

The project was financed by the Government of Kenya and implemented by LVSWWDA with both the
drilling and equipping works undertaken by the Topmast Engineering Limited. The project has a
capability of pumping 3,000 liters of water in one hour using solar power after the installation of the solar
panels.

Board Director Dr. Ann Michura leading other LVSWWDA members inspecting the Borehole during the commissioning at
Kong’otik Girls.
Photo: COURTESY

The project was initiated to supply water to Kong’otik Girls, Kong’otik Day Secondary School,
Kong’otik Primary School, the Church and the community around the school. The schools and
community at large had no running water and were largely depending on harvesting rain water.

Present during the commissioning were the area Member of Parliament; Beatrice Kones, MCA, Deputy
County Commissioner among other leaders. The area MP who also sits in the Water Committee of the
National Assembly pledged to push for the allocation of more funds to the Agency so that water can reach
the people who have no access to clean and affordable water.

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Board Director Dr. Ann Michura (Centre) and other guests testing the water at Kong’otik Girls.
Photo: COURTESY

The project is currently being managed, maintained and operated by the Kong’otik Water Project
Committee. It is therefore expected that the project will be self-sustaining through the collection of fees at
the point of water collection. These fees are expected to cater for repairs and committee allowances.

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LAKE VICTORIA SOUTH WATER WORKS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

June 18th, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

Tel: +254 202157233 Email : info@lvswwda.go.ke

RE: SEGETET BOREHOLE WATER SUPPLY PROJECT IN KIPKELION WEST SUB-


COUNTY

Segetet Borehole Water Supply Project is located in Segetet Primary School, Segetet sub location, Kipkelion Ward,
Kipkelion West Sub-County. It is projected to serve a human population of 2,000 people with the main aim being to
supply clean, affordable and sustainable portable water.

The project was financed by the Government of Kenya (GoK) in the year 2019/2020 under National Harvesting and
Ground Water Exploration program and implemented by the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development
Agency (LVSWWDA).

The beneficiaries of the project include Segetet Primary School, Segetet Day Secondary School, Segetet Dispensary,
Segetet Market and Kapsoton Village community members.

The Segetet area has been experiencing water scarcity as the rain water harvesting and the streams they depend on
tend to run dry in dry seasons. The sanitation in public schools will now improve to Public Health and World Health
Organization standards as the ratio of sanitation to the schools’ population is now at per.

The project has a borehole drilled at a depth of 150 meters and pumping can yield 14.4m 3/hr. using a solar powered
pump minimizing the operation costs. Also constructed and equipped is a pump house, 25 m3 liters capacity
masonry tank, and two water kiosks each loaded with 5000 liters plastic tanks.

The project is currently being managed, maintained and operated by the Community Management Committee which
has eleven members elected by the community. The Management Committee ensures the project is well sustained.

The Committee members trained for three days by the LVSWWDA in areas of project management, revenue
management and collection, operation and maintenance.

SHIKHULE KEVIN,
FOR LVSWWDA

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