As the world marks World Water Day 2026 under the theme Water and Gender, with the slogan “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” we at Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company (NYEWASCO) celebrate the transformative role of water in improving lives and creating opportunities for women, girls, boys and entire communities across Nyeri County.
For 16 years, we have ranked as Kenya’s best water service provider. Beyond this recognition, our focus remains on delivering services that improve livelihoods, restore dignity, and promote equality within the communities we serve. Our commitment to quality and excellence is further demonstrated through our ISO 9001:2015 certification and KENAS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation, which affirm that our systems and laboratory processes meet internationally recognized standards.
Our water coverage now exceeds 100 percent, ensuring that more households than ever before have access to reliable, clean water. This improved access benefits the entire community, while significantly easing the burden that has traditionally fallen on women and children in the search for water. With reliable services in place, women are better able to engage in entrepreneurship, farming, and community initiatives, while children can attend school more consistently, participate in skills-building activities, and focus on their personal development.
Reliable water supply is complemented by our sanitation and hygiene initiatives. Through the Urban Basic Sanitation for the Urban Poor Programme (UBSUP III), we support low-income communities in adopting safe sanitation practices and proper hygiene standards. Community-based sanitation champions lead educational campaigns, teach safe hygiene practices, and work with residents to improve local sanitation facilities. These programs not only improve public health outcomes but also empower women, who are often the primary caregivers in their households, to take leadership in maintaining healthy environments.
Infrastructure maintenance and sustainability remain at the core of our operations.
While Nyeri enjoys high water coverage, challenges such as infrastructure vandalism, illegal connections, and occasional water losses require constant vigilance. We address these challenges by encouraging community ownership of water systems. Residents are increasingly involved in safeguarding pipelines, reservoirs, and meters, ensuring that services remain uninterrupted and that everyone benefits from shared resources.
Innovation is a key pillar in our approach to water delivery and management. NYEWASCO has invested in smart metering and rapid leak detection technologies to minimize water losses and ensure efficient distribution. These technologies allow our teams to identify issues in real time, respond promptly, and maintain reliable services across all areas. By reducing non-revenue water and improving operational efficiency, we are able to provide affordable, high-quality water to our customers while promoting sustainability.
Climate resilience is another critical aspect of our work. Our Strategic Plan for 2021 to 2027 prioritizes the protection of key water sources, including the Chania River catchment, through tree planting and catchment conservation projects. These efforts help mitigate the effects of climate variability and ensure long-term availability of clean water. NYEWASCO also engages with local farmers and community groups to encourage water conservation and responsible land use, strengthening the connection between water supply, environmental protection, and community livelihoods.
Partnerships remain vital in achieving our goals. NYEWASCO collaborates with national and county government agencies, non-governmental organizations, development partners, and community groups to implement programs that improve water and sanitation services. By leveraging resources, expertise, and local knowledge, these partnerships enhance the impact of our initiatives and ensure that programs are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to community needs.
Our commitment extends to education and outreach. Through school programs, community workshops, and awareness campaigns, we inform residents about water conservation, hygiene, and the importance of protecting water infrastructure. These initiatives not only improve knowledge and behavior but also create a culture of shared responsibility, where communities actively participate in safeguarding water resources for present and future generations.
World Water Day 2026 reminds us that water is more than a utility; it is a driver of equality, opportunity, and prosperity. Our work in Nyeri demonstrates how reliable water supply, modern sanitation, and community engagement empower women and girls, strengthen households, and build resilient communities. Every improvement in water access and every initiative in sanitation translates into better education, greater economic participation, and enhanced well-being.
As we look to the future, NYEWASCO remains committed to excellence, sustainability, and inclusion. We will continue to expand coverage, improve services, adopt innovative technologies, and invest in environmental conservation. We aim to ensure that all residents of Nyeri have access to reliable water, modern sanitation, and the opportunities that come with them.
The progress we have made shows that where water flows, communities thrive and equality grows. Water strengthens livelihoods, empowers women and girls, fosters education, and builds a foundation for inclusive economic development. NYEWASCO’s journey is a testament to the power of water to transform lives and create a more equal, prosperous, and resilient Nyeri.
Where water flows, equality truly grows.
