(Kisumu) – The Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) has secured KSh 1.6 billion funding to boost sanitation in Kisumu’s Manyatta settlement and protect Lake Victoria from pollution.
The Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), a regional agency under the East African Community, has announced KSh 1.6 billion in funding from the German Development Bank (KfW) and the European Union (EU) to improve sanitation in Kisumu City’s Manyatta informal settlement. The initiative aims to address sanitation challenges and reduce pollution in Lake Victoria.
As part of the Integrated Water Resources Management Programme (IWRMP), 550 modern toilet blocks will be built in Manyatta A. Additionally, the area’s sewerage system will be extended by 15 kilometers to eliminate the discharge of raw sewage into the lake.
| Key Project Details | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Sources | German Development Bank (KfW), EU |
| Total Funds Secured | KSh 1.6 billion |
| Modern Toilet Blocks | 550 |
| Sewerage System Expansion | 15 kilometers |
According to Programme Coordinator Arsene Aime Mukubwa, an initial tranche of KSh 800 million has been received to start the project, with an additional KSh 800 million expected next year. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance water quality in Lake Victoria, a critical resource for millions across East Africa.
Speaking at the World Toilet Day celebrations held at Kotetni Primary School in Kisumu West, Mukubwa emphasized the significance of this project. “The challenge of open defecation in Kisumu, which currently stands at 4.8%, contributes to lake pollution. This program aims to tackle such challenges while improving overall water quality in the region,” he said.
The LVBC also plans to collaborate with other organizations to expand the initiative across East Africa. Mukubwa highlighted that urban settlements such as Kisumu (Kenya), Kampala (Uganda), Mwanza (Tanzania), and Kigali (Rwanda) are major contributors to Lake Victoria’s pollution, necessitating coordinated regional efforts.
Kisumu County Director of Public Health Fredrick Oluoch welcomed the project, aligning it with the county government’s goal of scaling up access to proper sanitation to 70% by 2027. “By the end of 2022, we had achieved 33.1%. With such initiatives, I am confident we will meet our target,” Oluoch noted.
Open defecation remains a challenge in some areas of Kisumu County, but the government, alongside partners, is working to expand access to both improved and basic sanitation facilities.