On February 6, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Assistant Administrator and Acting Global Water Coordinator, James Peters, together with Busia County Governor, Sospeter Ojaamong, commissioned the Alema Water Supply and Distribution Project in Busia County. The expanded water distribution system brings clean, affordable water to over 12,000 residents of Funyula sub-county.

“A lot of effort is underway to help improve the water situation in several counties. The Kenyan government has shown its commitment solving water access challenges in the country,” Deputy Assistant Administrator Peters said.

Governor Ojaamong appreciated USAID’s contribution in the county, stating that the water project “will help improve the living standards of people in the area by eradicating poverty.” He added that his government will work closely with every stakeholder in realizing development for the people of Busia.

USAID support to the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector combines training and capacity building with infrastructure investments to help utilities operate more efficiently and reliably. The KIWASH project emphasizes business principles such as financial accountability, performance monitoring, cost recovery and demand-driven investments to ensure water enterprises are meeting the water needs of communities and seeking opportunities to increase their customer base. These actions work together to increase revenues, bring water to more people, and ensure long-term sustainability of water enterprises.