Kenol: Businesses and investments at Kenol town located in southern parts of Murang’a County are expected to intensify with the completion of a Sh1.3 billion sewer system. The construction of the system, which commenced back in 2021, was completed last month, providing locals, especially the business community and investors, with a hygienic environment to work in.

According to Kenya News Agency, Kenol town, located along the Nairobi-Marua highway, has been ranked among the fastest-growing towns in the country due to its proximity to Thika and Nairobi. Since its development in the early 1990s, property owners have relied on septic tanks for waste disposal. However, some unscrupulous residential house owners have been emptying raw sewage into rivers and abandoned quarries, putting residents at risk of contracting diseases. The maintenance of septic tanks has also been costly, requiring regular emptying by hired exhausters.

Lucy Wangari, a resident, highlighted the lack of a sewer line as a significant concern, as residents had to take precautions to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. “We are used to treating our water before taking it since most of the water we access here is from boreholes, and we fear it’s contaminated due to poor disposal of raw sewage,” Wangari noted. She emphasized that the sewer project would save residents from the risk of contracting waterborne diseases, with rental property owners already connecting their waste disposal pipes to the new sewer line.

Golden Palm Hotel owner Eng. Njau Njoka expressed relief, noting that the exhaust operators charged high fees for their services. “The operators charged Sh12,000 per truck, and Golden Palm Hotel has four septic tanks. With the completion of the sewerage system, the hotel was among the first premises connected to the sewer line,” Njoka stated.

Community leader Beth Githaiga mentioned that the project would significantly boost businesses in Kenol and should extend to nearby towns in Kagunduini ward, including the Kabati market. Joseph Manyeki, chair of the Kenol Traders Association, agreed, stating that the sewerage project would fast-track the town’s growth through improved sanitation and create employment opportunities for plumbers connecting buildings to the sewer line.

While the project is seen as a positive development for the town, exhauster dealer Chege Mbatia noted it would negatively impact their businesses, as many residential buildings in Kenol operated septic tanks. Clement Kamau, a member of the Kenol Municipality Board, stated that the sewerage project would reduce the costs associated with maintaining septic systems.

Public Health Director Muthui Gitonga praised the project, urging locals to connect to the sewer line and highlighting its importance for improving the town’s sanitation. Muswasco Managing Director John Macharia reported that many premises have been connected to the sewer line since the project’s completion. He explained that the project is a pivotal part of the Kenol Municipality’s upgrading plan, with a sewer treatment plant located 10 km away.

Macharia also stated that Muswasco is collaborating with locals and the business community to ensure all buildings are connected and has implemented measures to supply 7,500 cubic meters of water per day, crucial for the disposal mechanism. The second phase of the sewerage project aims to connect buildings in Kabati and Mithi towns with the sewer line, further enhancing sanitation in the region.