More than 4,000 residents of Kimamoi, Lomolo and Majani Mingi areas in Soin Ward, Rongai Sub-County, are now set to access a reliable source of clean water following the completion of the Kimamoi Water Project. The project, implemented by the Nakuru County Government with support from the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme, marks an important step in addressing long-standing water shortages that have affected households and livestock in the area.
For many years, residents of Soin Ward relied on seasonal water sources that were often unreliable, especially during dry periods. Families travelled long distances to access water for domestic use, while livestock keepers faced challenges in sustaining their animals. The completion of the Kimamoi Water Project provides a dependable alternative that supports daily household needs and livestock production.
The project involved several components designed to ensure efficiency and sustainability. These included the equipping of a borehole to access groundwater, solarisation of the pumping system to provide a consistent energy source, and the construction of a storage tank to hold water for distribution. A communal water point was established to allow residents to access water within the village, while a livestock trough was constructed to support pastoral and mixed farming activities.
To enhance distribution, a 1.2-kilometre pipeline was installed from the borehole to the storage tank site. This infrastructure improves the movement of water within the system and reduces losses associated with manual transportation. The design of the project allows for steady water supply throughout the day, supporting both domestic and productive use.
The benefits of the Kimamoi Water Project extend across multiple aspects of community life. Reduced distance to water points saves time for households, particularly women and children who are often responsible for water collection. The time saved can be redirected to education, income-generating activities, and household responsibilities. Access to clean water also supports improved hygiene practices, contributing to better health outcomes and reduced exposure to water-related illnesses.
For livestock keepers, the availability of water at designated troughs supports animal health and productivity. Reliable water access reduces stress on animals and supports milk production and growth, which are important for household income and food security. The project also supports farming activities by providing water for small-scale agricultural use, contributing to more stable livelihoods.
The use of solar power in the project reduces dependence on conventional energy sources and supports climate-resilient service delivery. Solarisation ensures that the pumping system can operate consistently while minimizing operational costs. This approach aligns with climate action goals under the FLLoCA programme, which focuses on locally led solutions that respond to climate-related challenges at the community level.
The Kimamoi Water Project reflects the County Government of Nakuru’s focus on expanding access to water services in rural areas. Under the leadership of H.E. Governor Susan Kihika, the county has prioritized investments in water infrastructure as part of a broader commitment to improve living conditions and support economic activities. Access to clean and safe water is a key component of this agenda, supporting health, agriculture, and household welfare.
By addressing water shortages in Soin Ward, the project contributes to long-term community resilience. Reliable water access reduces vulnerability during dry seasons and supports sustained use of local resources. The communal nature of the facility also encourages shared responsibility in managing and maintaining the infrastructure, promoting community ownership.
The completion of the Kimamoi Water Project demonstrates how targeted investments can respond to local needs while supporting broader development goals. Through collaboration with the FLLoCA programme, the county government continues to implement projects that strengthen service delivery, support livelihoods, and improve access to essential resources for residents across Nakuru County.