Kenya is set to upgrade the Thika drinking water supply system. The move follows the signing of the loan agreement with the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). The loan, valued at over US $114M will co-finance the project along with the Kenyan government.
Thika drinking water supply system signifies a significant investment in improving water and sanitation infrastructure in Thika, addressing both water supply challenges and wastewater management, while also embracing sustainable energy solutions.
READ:South Africa publishes new gas master plan
Scope of work
The project, scheduled to commence in January 2025, will involve various components aimed at enhancing the water supply system in Thika, a town located in Kenya’s Central Province.
One significant aspect of the project includes the construction of two 10-meter high water reservoirs along the Chania river and at the Thika 3A site in Kiambu county. These reservoirs will supply 36,000 m3 of water per day, addressing the current shortfall in meeting the daily demand of 60,000 m3 in the town.
Additionally, a 20,000 m3 treatment plant will be constructed to treat the raw water, which will then be distributed to the residents of Thika. This infrastructure is expected to ensure a stable water supply for the town until 2042. Moreover, the project also encompasses the construction of three wastewater treatment plants in different areas of Thika, namely Pilot, Nanga, and Kilimambogo, catering to the north, south, and east regions of the town, respectively.
Furthermore, these wastewater treatment plants will be equipped to convert sewage sludge into electricity, and a mini hydroelectric power station will be established to generate clean electricity. This initiative aims to reduce the internal consumption of wastewater treatment plants by 20%, contributing to sustainable energy practices.