State to spend Sh18b on water and sewage projects in Nairobi, says Ruto

DPPS

Deputy President William Ruto has said the government will use about Sh18 billion for water projects and improvement of the sewage system in Nairobi county as part of the country’s infrastructural development.

He said access to water would spur the country’s economic growth and thus transform people's lives.

Speaking in Dandora grounds, Nairobi, Friday when he inspected the construction of the Eastern Transmission (Kiambu-Embakasi) pipeline, Ruto said efforts were being made to ensure equitable water supply to city residents.

The DP, who was accompanied by Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, said the government is committed to addressing the problem of water shortages and the poor sewage system in Nairobi.

He said provision of water remains key to the promotion of sustainable socio-economic development and contributes to poverty reduction.

“We are committed to ensuring equitable water supply in all parts of Nairobi as part of our infrastructural development in the country,” he said.

Ruto said the project is an extension of water and sewage services in urban and informal settlements. The project will upon completion benefit an estimated one million people.

At the same time, the DP said the government has invested heavily in technical education so as to attain the country’s technological needs. Addressing wananchi outside Tom Mboya Primary School after a tour of the institution, he said Nairobi county has more than 10 technical training institutes that are well equipped and in full operation, and urged parents to take advantage of such facilities and enrol their children.

“We are making technical education affordable for all Kenyans. The Government is giving Sh30,000 as bursary for each student enrolling in technical institutes and another Sh40,000 as loans, making it affordable for all Kenyans,” said Ruto.

“We have committed a lot of resources to ensure Kenyans get access to education irrespective of their status in the society,” he added.

Gakuya praised the government for addressing water problems and poor sewage system in the city.