Over 300 residents of Kabeti village in Kabare Ward, Gichugu Constituency, Kirinyaga County, are finally experiencing relief following years of disrupted access to clean water.
The community has endured unreliable water service since the disconnection occurred during the construction of the Thiba Dam.
Despite numerous appeals, the water supply was never reinstated, compelling families to depend on unsafe and far-off water sources that impacted both household needs and irrigation farming.
During a visit to the area, Kenya Seed Company Chairperson Wangui Ngirici took immediate steps to restore the essential resource after consulting with residents, community leaders, and local elders who described how the lack of clean water had affected daily life.
The chairperson contributed pipes and covered all expenses for connecting every affected household, stating that access to clean water is not a privilege but a fundamental human right.
Ngirici reinforced her dedication to promoting community-focused development and empowering neighborhoods through practical interventions with lasting effects.
She highlighted that sustainable development starts with addressing basic needs like access to clean water, which supports health, food security, and economic empowerment.
“I am committed to servant leadership, practical solutions, and empowering communities,” she stated.
Local residents praised Ngirici’s initiative, describing it as an example of leadership based on listening, empathy, and concrete outcomes.
They observed that while many leaders make commitments, few take action to resolve challenges confronting communities.
With water now flowing again in Kabeti, farmers who depend on irrigation can resume their agricultural activities with renewed hope for sustainable advancement.
The Thiba Dam, commissioned in August 2022, was primarily developed to supply water to the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, the nation’s largest rice producer.