Machakos, Kenya’s first administrative capital, is undergoing a major transformation as the government moves to modernise its ageing sewerage system.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo said the town’s rapid growth has outpaced its old infrastructure, making urgent upgrades necessary.
“Founded in 1899 as the first administrative headquarters of the British East Africa Protectorate, Machakos holds the distinction of being Kenya’s first ‘Capital,’” Omollo said.
“From that historic beginning, the town has expanded into a vibrant urban centre, with rising population, commerce and settlement,” he added.
He noted that this growth has placed pressure on existing systems, creating the need for reliable sewerage and drainage infrastructure.
Major Sewerage Project Nearing Completion
The government, through the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation and the Tana Water Works Development Agency, is now implementing a large-scale upgrade of the Machakos Sewerage Project.
“The Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, through the Tana Water Works Development Agency, is modernising the Machakos Sewerage Project, now at an advanced stage of completion,” Omollo said.
The project will replace a defunct sewer system built in 1952 with a modern network designed to meet the needs of a growing urban population.
“This critical investment is set to replace a defunct sewer system constructed in 1952 and deliver a modern, efficient sanitation network,” he stated.
Advanced Technology to Improve Efficiency
According to Omollo, the project incorporates modern wastewater treatment technologies aimed at improving efficiency and environmental safety.
“The project entails the installation of a modern wastewater treatment system, including a central-drive sludge scraper mounted within a reinforced concrete clarifier tank,” he said.
He explained that the system is designed to continuously remove settled solids and enhance overall treatment performance.
Expansion of Sewer Network
The upgrade also includes the construction of an extensive pipeline network to improve waste collection and transportation.
“Complementing this is the ongoing laying of approximately 65 kilometres of trunk and lateral sewer pipelines,” Omollo said.
He added that the pipelines are engineered to ensure efficient movement of wastewater from residential, commercial and institutional areas to the treatment facility.
Focus on Public Health and Compliance
Omollo emphasised that the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration is supporting the project through community engagement and enforcement measures.
“In supporting this undertaking, the State Department plays a facilitative role in safeguarding public health outcomes by coordinating grassroots sensitisation on proper sewer connectivity and usage,” he said.
He added that the government is also working to curb illegal waste discharge and promote adherence to environmental and sanitation regulations.
Boost for Sustainable Urban Development
The project is expected to significantly improve sanitation services in Machakos, reduce environmental risks and support sustainable urban growth.
Omollo noted that the initiative is part of a broader government effort to modernise infrastructure in rapidly growing towns and cities across the country.
