KfW-LVBC Mission Paves Way for Improved Sanitation in Kisumu

Following a successful Midterm Review mission focused on optimizing project delivery (February 12th-16th, 2024), KfW and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) marked a significant step forward for the Kisumu Informal Settlement Sanitation Project.

This high-priority initiative, co-funded by KfW, the European Union, and the Republic of Kenya, aims to deliver improved sanitation facilities for the Manyatta A, an informal settlement in Kisumu, Kenya.

Through collaboration with the National Project Executing Agency, Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA), and other key stakeholders, the team discussed best practices, addressed current bottlenecks, and formulated strategies to streamline project structures.

This collaborative spirit extended to a kickoff meeting at the LVSWWDA and a field visit to the Kisumu project site. This €6.6 million project, implemented through the Lake Victoria Basin Integrated Water Resources Management Programme (LVB IWRMP), represents a major investment in public health.

Upon completion (expected in 2026), the facilities will be handed over to Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company Ltd (KIWASCO) for operation and maintenance.

Foremost among the benefits expected for Manyatta A residents is the anticipated reduction in the flow of untreated effluent into Lake Victoria, a crucial step towards fostering cleaner water and mitigating environmental degradation. Furthermore, residents can look forward to improved access to proper sanitation facilities, laying the foundation for enhanced public health outcomes within the community.

The project also aims to bolster operational efficiency and effectiveness in wastewater collection and treatment processes, ensuring a more sustainable and streamlined approach to managing environmental resources. In essence, the initiative aspires to create a healthier, more sustainable living environment for communities in Manyatta A by addressing key challenges related to water quality, sanitation, and wastewater management.