Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) has received a bulk water licence for the Itare-Litein Bulk Water Scheme, marking a significant step towards strengthening water supply infrastructure and improving access to reliable water services in Kenya.
Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eng Eric Muuga officially presented the license to the Agency’s Board Chairman Dan Omino and Chief Executive Officer Jackline Kemunto during the Annual Stakeholders’ Forum 2026 at Ciala Resort in Kisumu.
The development makes LVSWWDA the third Water Works Development Agency to receive a bulk water licence under the country’s evolving regulatory framework.
The licensing follows amendments to the Water Act, 2016, through the Water (Amendment) Act, 2024, which provide for Water Works Development Agencies to undertake bulk water services.
Speaking during the event, Eng. Mugaa said the licensing milestone would provide an important regulatory foundation for the Agency to advance bulk water supply initiatives within its area of jurisdiction.
He commended the Agency for its performance in implementing its 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, noting that its achievements reflected the importance of effective leadership, institutional accountability, sound governance and partnerships.
He also cited the Agency’s performance in the 2024/2025 Financial Year Performance Evaluation, where it ranked fourth among State corporations nationally, with a composite score of 2.1027 and an Excellent rating in the delivery of its core mandate.
He further noted that the Agency received an Excellent rating in the 2025/2026 Productivity Improvement Indicator Evaluation, recording a productivity index of approximately 4.4 out of five.
On service delivery, Muuga said water supply coverage in the Agency’s area of jurisdiction had increased from 58 per cent in 2022/2023 to 62 per cent, against a target of 70 per cent by 2027/2028.
Safe sanitation coverage also rose from 27 per cent in 2023/2024 to 35 per cent in 2025/2026.
He added that the Agency had reached more than 54,000 households through five completed projects, constructed 171 boreholes and planted approximately 1.8 million trees as part of its environmental sustainability initiatives.
The Itare-Litein Bulk Water Scheme is expected to contribute to efforts to strengthen water infrastructure, improve supply reliability and expand access to water services.
Muuga reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting water sector institutions through infrastructure development, resource mobilisation, innovation and partnerships involving national and county governments, development partners, the private sector and local communities.
He emphasised that water and sanitation remained central to national development, describing water as an economic enabler and a foundation for public health, industrialisation and sustainable livelihoods.
The 2026 Annual Stakeholders’ Forum was held under the theme, “Water Security, Sanitation and Shared Prosperity: Forging Resilient Partnerships for the Lake Victoria South Basin.”
The forum brought together government representatives, water sector institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to review progress, discuss challenges and explore opportunities for collaboration in delivering sustainable water and sanitation services.
The Agency’s area of jurisdiction covers Bomet, Kericho, Kisumu, Kisii, Homa Bay, Nyamira, Migori and Siaya counties.
The receipt of the bulk water licence marks an important institutional milestone for LVSWWDA Lake Victoria as it advances its mandate of developing water infrastructure and contributing to Kenya’s goal of universal access to safe water and sanitation.
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