Uasin Gishu County Assembly Passes Bill on Establishment of Rural Water and Sanitation Company

Members of the Uasin Gishu County Assembly on Tuesday passed the Uasin Gishu Rural Water and Sanitation Bill, 2023.

The Bill provides for the establishment of an entity for rural water and sanitation services in the county.

It also provides the legal framework for the provision of water and sanitation services in rural areas within the County.

According to the bill, once established, the County Rural Water and Sanitation Company shall be mandated to provide and manage water and sanitation services in rural areas.

It will also implement the mandate of the county government in ensuring access to adequate, safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation for all in rural areas within the county.

Further, the company will be expected to promote water use efficiency through wastewater treatment, reuse and recycling.

Kaptagat MCA Jonathan Kiprop Ng’etich who is also the chairperson of the Environment, Water and Natural Resources Committee moved the motion for the adoption of the report on the bill.

“Within twelve months of the commencement of this Act or such longer period as the County Executive Committee Member may approve, the company, with the approval of the County Executive Committee, shall establish criteria for water services provision in all rural areas…” read part of the Bill.

But before the company is established, the Uasin Gishu Rural Water and Sanitation Bill, 2023 provides that the existing rural schemes shall continue their obligations to deliver water and sanitation services.

Leadership of the Uasin Gishu Rural Water and Sanitation Company

The company shall be run by a board of directors led by the board chairperson and executive member appointed by the Governor.

It shall also have a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) also appointed by the Governor.

Members of the Board shall consist of a non-executive chairperson, a county executive committee member for water and finance, six members with relevant qualifications approved by the Executive Committee member and the CECO who shall be an ex-officio member.

The Bill will now be presented to Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim to be ascended.