Tsunami 3rd Quarterly Newsletter

THIRD QUARTER EDITION

FY 2021/2022

Making The Invisible Visible

Environmental conservation requires a multi-stakeholder approach and that is why we partnered with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) both Kisumu and Nandi Counties, the Community Forest Association (CFA), National Youth Service (NYS), Equity Bank, Fresh Life (Sanergy),………...full story on page

COMPILED BY:-

Our commitment; Reliability, Quality & Accessibility

Editor :Eldah Odongo

 Emmy Muga

 Harriet Ashoro

VISION

‘To be the most admired service provider’ MISSION

‘To provide quality water and sanitation services for improved livelihood’

CORE VALUES

• Integrity

• Professionalism

• Creativity and Innovation

• Customer Focus

• Teamwork

Managing Director’s Message

know the Lord is greater than our challenges. I urge us to grow stronger together as the family of KIWASCO, be our brother’s keeper, pray for each other and provide support where needed. In addition, I have called upon the office of the Human Resources & Administration to organize for a prayer day in the month of April. As a company, we need to commit our lives, those of our family members and friends jointly to the Lord. I am aware that so many of us are going through deep struggles and that includes nursing sick relatives, taking care of their medical bills and in the process some of them have also departed from us. May their souls rest in perfect peace.

It is the end of yet another quarter, Quarter 3 of the FY 2021/2022. An exceptional period like no other. A quarter that was filled with so much sadness, grief, anxiety and frustrations. From losing three of our own back-to-back to having the worst spate of water supply inadequacies. First, was the Late Hellen Adhiambo who until her demise was working at Dunga Treatment plant. Next was Prof. Norbert Opiyo- Aketch, a Board of Director and the Technical committee chairman in the Board. And the just when the quarter was closing, we lost Raymond Otieno in a grisly road accident along the busy Kisumu Busia Highway.

I know it’s been tough on all of us but we

On the other side, the heavens have declined to open up and pour rain leading to drying of R. Kibos that supplies water to Kajulu Treatment plant. Since mid-December last year, it has not been possible to produce potable water for distribution to our customers served from Kajulu water treatment plant.

In between the quarter, we have had light showers but that has not been sufficient.

We know very well that these are factors beyond our control and I encourage us to do the best we can in our various capacities, come up with innovative ideas and solutions that can help us execute our mandate to our esteemed customers. Also, remember that we are the hub of customer service, let us

articulate issues and handle our customers with the utmost respect and professionalism even when we cannot address their needs.

Finally, we are stepping into a season of heightened political activities and I wish to advice all of you to take good care of yourselves. Know the boundaries that you need to keep; be at the right place at the right time and kindly avoid trouble. Execute your democratic rights and enjoy your rights as a voter and a Kenyan but we still need you in one piece.

April is the month we are hosting the 11th Edition of the Water Companies Sports Organization (WASCO) games and this is a big milestone to us. I trust the participants to have done enough training to spear us to clinch the top positions. I also expect high level of discipline during the games and in the entire period that the visitors will be around.

A spot check indicates that most of the hotels in town will have full bookings and consequently their water consumption will go up. To the commercial team, let us take advantage of this to ensure accurate meter readings, issue correct billings and ensure all debts are collected in time.All other teams should also provide support in achieving this. I wish all of you well.

Cheers.

DECEMBER, JANUARY & FEBRUARY PERFORMANCE

ZONAL AVERAGE PERFORMANCE

AVERAGE NON-REVENUE WATER 27.65%

Period: Jan, Feb & March

Kajulu Treatment Plant next to the intake point and about 5000 tree seedlings of various species were planted. This initiative is in line with the water usage advisory shared by the company is meant to enhance the water catchment area of River Kibos.

Speaking during the occasion, the Chief Engineer Technical Services Eng. Moses Jura said that in the yester year, the Nandi Hills was such a big forest that bordered the Kajulu Treatment Plant. Due to serious deforestation, the catchment area has now been left bare. They have completely cleared the forest and are now doing farming instead.

In his address, the representative from Equity Bank Mr. Steve Biko mentioned that Equity Bank was celebrating 35 years since inception and with that they have purposed to plant 35 million trees.

Mr. Tonui emphasized on the need for planting bamboo trees along the riparian land. He highlighted the benefits of the bamboo tree among them being its medicinal value, cash crop and its importance in environmental conservation. He promised support to the company in conserving the catchment areas through donations of more bamboo seedlings.

Environmental conservation requires a multistakeholder approach and that is why we partnered with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) both Kisumu and Nandi Counties, the Community Forest Association (CFA), National Youth Service (NYS), Equity Bank, Fresh Life (Sanergy), Kenya Women Environmental Pacesetters (KWEP), and KEFRI.

The degradation of the environment has led to the current state of River Kibos, whose levels have drastically dropped due to the prolonged dry spell. This makes the abstraction process difficult as the water is not sufficient to serve the intended residents. “We must act now and plant more trees around our catchment areas,” Jura concluded.

Eng.JurawithKFSofficers plantingatreeduringWorldWaterDay.File/PHOTO

StakeholdersposeforagroupphotoduringtheeventFile/PHOTO

KIWASCO and WASREB held a Public stakeholder consultation meeting on License renewal on 1st of March 2022 at Sunset Hotel, in accordance with the Water Act 2016 and the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

The invitees included Stakeholders representing various groups in the City. This was a hybrid meeting with both virtual and physical attendance where over 70 participants attended physically.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Vinod Patel assured the stakeholders that the company operates within the laid down rules and regulations set by the regulator and the laws of the land. He further justified the reasons why the stakeholders should allow KIWASCO to have their license renewed by highlighting key milestones made over the years. “I urge the stakeholders present to enjoy drinking tap water

directly from the tap as we now boast of producing water of good quality”, he concluded.

The representative of Lake Victoria South Water Works Development agency highlighted the projects being undertaken towards enhancing water and sanitation infrastructure in Kisumu City in conjunction with other stakeholders.

The Managing Director KIWASCO, Mr. Thomas Odongo in his presentation highlighted the performance of the company over the last five years and also the future outlook. He also clarified in detail the impact of the newly reviewed tariff to the consumers clearly showing the gainers and losers and explained why the changes had to take place more so in

the Low

-IncomeAreas.

The Acting CEO for WASREB Eng. Joseph Keter wrapped up the consultative meeting with an indepth analysis on the topic of licensing. He explained to the stakeholders meaning of a

Stakeholdersliftinguptheirhandsinagreementduringthemeeting.File/PHOTO

which qualifies the company for a 5 - year license. This was a moment of joy for KIWASCO fraternity. On posing the question if KIWASCO should get a new license, there was no opposition from the stakeholders and all raised their hands in affirmation.

KIWASCO therefore has been allowed by the stakeholders to be issued with a 5 year license having met all the other conditions set by the regulator.

license, the rationale of getting one and the need to have one. He went further to explain the types of licenses the regulator gives and under which conditions one acquires them. He talked about the benefits of having a valid license from the regulator and the flip side of not having one. He then unveiled KIWASCO’s score which was above 70% and

Stakeholdersfollowingproceedings.Photo/file

MD,Mr.ThomasOdongoaddressingthemeeting.Photo/

MD,Mr.ThomasOdongohandingoveragifthampertoEng. Njaggah Dir.Licensing,Standards&Advocacy.Photo/file

WASREBofficials ledbyMd,Mr.Odongodisplaying Kiwascobrandedjugs.Photo/file

Promotions

During the quarter, the company promoted the following staff members:

STAFF CHANGES Exit.

During this Quarter, we had Amos Odhiambo, the Talent & Management Specialist jump ship. Amos left the company after working for 6 years rising from the position of Human Resources Officer to Talent & Management Specialist and at the time of his exit, he was acting in the position of Human Resources &Administration Manager.

While informing staff on his exit, the Managing Director remembered Amos for his hard work, dedication and spiritual guidance. He concluded by wishing him success in his career progression.

Mr. Amos Odhiambo addressing staff during the end year party . Photo/ file

FaithAkinyi Customer Care Manager

Carolyne OderoPro-poor Programmes Coordinator

Collins MwangazaStores Officer

Once again Kisumu was privileged to host the Innovate for Wash forum from January 27th to 29th 2022, after being the host in 2019. The event which took place at Ciala resort saw KIWASCO, in partnership with Sanitation Resources & Development Africa (SARDA) and Quercus group being the event organizers. Innovate4WASH is a two-day marketplace platform designed to connect ideas, talent and capital from and outside Kenya, to scale up existing commercial solutions to problems and opportunities in the water and sanitation sector. Speaking during the opening day, the Managing Director Thomas Odongo urged the session conveners to encourage passionate discussions revolving around sanitation which he is mostly interested in because KIWASCO is a catalyst. He went ahead to say that, “look at the sanitation value chain and ask how do we partner

with each other from the beginning to the end? he paused. He continued, “we need to draft a sanitation management policy in place.” Mr. Odongo elucidated that some of the outcomes of the forum should be coming up with a simplified sewer system with local solutions.

Fortunate for us, we got four opportunities to pitch our concepts for possible financing. Carolyne Odero gave a proposal on improving sanitation in the Kisumu urban informal settlements, Maurine Ondeng’spoke about the gaps in the rural water supply, Caroline Omollo presented on ground water as a strategic resource for improved resilience to climate change in KIWASCO and the duoKennedy Ogudah and Stephen Ocholo gave a comparative analysis of aquatic macrophytes

MD, Mr. Tomas Odongo making a presentation during Innovate4wash conference

for treatment of waste in the wetland ponds of KIWASCO.

During the 3-day forum, we had a well decorated exhibition booth with ample . branding. From the booth, we displayed some of our products and services. We had adequate education materials that we shared with the stakeholders who paid a visit to the booth. We also had massive giveaways that we gracefully shared to make a brand statement.

Delegates visiting our exhibition stand during Innovate4wash conference. Photo/file

Ms Caroline Odero and Maureen Odeng’ among other delegates during Innovate4wash conference presentations .photo/file

They also got a first-hand impression of the destructive human activities that have resulted to deforestation. George Odero then guided them through the process of water treatment from the intake all through to distribution. While at the lagoons, Benjamin gave the participants a visit through the plant, carefully explaining the biological processes involved in the treatment of waste water.

Mr. Kennedy Oguda and Stephen Ochola making a presentation during the conference .Photo/file

Ms. Caroline Omollo making a presentation during the conference .Photo/file

WAREMBO NA MITI

STAFF END YEAR PARTY 2021

The company organized for the end year staff party after skipping it in the year 2020 following the outbreak of Coronavirus. This came as a huge relief to staff who had longed to come together, network and share a meal.At the height of the pandemic, the Ministry of Health had instituted preventive measures against the spread of the virus, which included the ban on

gatherings. As the famous saying by Chinua Achebe, “A man who calls his kinsmen to a feast does not do so to save them from starving. They all have food in their own homes. When we gather together in the moonlit village ground it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his own compound. We come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so.”

The party was held on 17th December, a week before celebrating Christmas day. Staff converged at Kibuye reservoir station during lunch hour where they were treated to a splendid buffet of varied dishes. They also had soft drinks as accompaniment and later got to enjoy booze at the close of the event as they boogied to their favorite tunes.

There was entertainment from our cherished choir team who lined up a series of cultural songs and dance. We later got to hear speeches from the Managing Director and a representative of the Chairman who could not attend the event. The outstanding staff per station were each awarded with a voucher and a certificate.

Staffliningupformealsduringendyearpartycelebrations.Photo/file

Choirentertainingstaffduringendyearpartycelebrations.Photo/file

We had two overall awards namely Innovator of the year which went to Rogers Odhiambo and the Brand Ambassador of the year was bagged by one Carolyne Odero. Caro set the record by being the first female ever to win that award. Employees who had retired during the year were also given a good send-off, walking away with a branded clock and a cheque worth Ksh. 50,000 each.

The climax of the celebration was each staff being a shopping voucher worth Ksh. 5000 from Naivas Supermarket. Folks could not hide their joy as they received the shopping vouchers. The staff later took to the official WhatsApp group of the company to shower praises for the MD for honoring them with such great appreciation. What a way to close the year 2021.

DirectorPhyllishandingoverabrandedclocktoretiree Mr.Simon Tolo.Photo/file

Choirentertainingstaffduringendyearpartycelebrations.

Photo/file

Mr.BobOtienojoggingtohisfavoritebeatsduringend yearparty celebrations.Photo/file

Mr.NickMosetipresentingaprizeto...Photo/File

Mr.AmosOdhiambopresentingaprizetoEric.Photo/File

ThelateProf.NorbertpresentingaprizetoEric.Photo/File

DirectorHerbert presentingaprizetoEric.Photo/File

BoardofDirectorsandManagementteamduringaphotosession..Photo/File

LAUNCH OF NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Kiwasco got into a partnership with the Nation Media Group to supply free newspapers to schools under the Newspapers in Education (NIE) programme. This partnership seeks to supply free newspapers daily to 5 schools in Kajulu. The schools are Okok Mixed Secondary, Obwolo Secondary, Kindu Primary, Kianja Primary xxxx,Ongadi Primary School.

During the launch of the programme that was held on 16th February 2022, representatives from the beneficiary schools converged at Kindu Primary school. The leadership of Nation Media Group led by their General Manager George Kihuria was also present. KIWASCO delegation was led by the Managing Director Thomas Odongo. The programme of the day included activation for the Taifa Leo newspaper which was spearheaded by the famous Nuhu Bakari. While addressing the audience, the project manager Mrs. Eldah Odongo said that, “This is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative by the company. The 5 schools are just a beginning since many other schools are in dire need of reading materials”. She went ahead to call upon other stakeholders to step in and fill the gap.

MD ,Mr Odongo addressing the pupils/candidates. photo/file

MD, Mr. Thomas Odongo and NMG external marketing and communication.. Cliford Machoka during the MoU signing. Photo/file

The Managing Director, Thomas Odongo in his address thanked the community of Kajulu for taking care of the water resource in the area since the company abstracts and treats water at the Kajulu Treatment Plant located in the area. He continued, “I challenge Kisumu County to embrace the NIE programme as it has transformed Education in Kwale County, which is now reaping the benefits of the programme. He made a commitment that in the next financial year, the company will expand the

KIWASCO and NMG group during a photo session. Photo/file

Kindu primary school making a presentation during the event. Photo/file

Students/Pupils following the proceedings. Photo/file

TET-A-TET WITH ‘CHAIRMAN’

Tell us about yourself

Sirengo is a family man, married to one wife and blessed with 3 boys and 1 girl. Personally, I love sports, politics, reading, am outgoing and above all a devout Christian.

How long have you been working at KIWASCO and in which capacities?

I have worked in Kiwasco for 21 years, 4 of which I was in the defunct municipal council. We are the pioneers of Kiwasco. I was first employed under technical department as a water operator in Dunga treatment plant. After the first restructuring, I was transferred to Kibuye reservoir in charge of the station. After 1.5 I crossed over to commercial department as acting Zonal

Coordinator, and confirmed after 6 months. After that I moved to Corporate department as the Community Liason Officer until now. This is a position am holding because of talent, and not professionalism and in short, my job is like my hobby.

Why do people call you ‘Chairman”?

(Laughing out) they call me that because I serve in different capacities not only in KIWASCO but also outside. I hold various positions both formally and informally but again people calling me that shows respect, and confidence that people have in me.

You caught everyone by surprise when you announced plans to hold your wedding, tell us more about that

As much as Sirengo is outgoing, I am also a leader in church. Life is 3-fold, there is birth, marriage and death and you can always celebrate life at birth and in marriage. Considering my age, I felt I needed to celebrate my marriage. As a catholic, you can’t be part of leadership when you do not receive.

I wanted to live a complete life as a Christian leader. I also longed to receive the body of Christ and that is what really catalyzed the process as a devoted Christian. Again, I believe in a monogamous marriage and I was not planning to marry again. My mum is a strong Christian and a leader in church and she always wanted all her children to receive the body of Christ.

What made you settle on your wife and not any other lady?

Being a bachelor, I had good taste of women and she fit the description. I loved ladies who are tall, beautiful and with good legs but again as we were dating,

I realized that she was a lady with a kind heart. Betty fit the description of a typical African woman who is submissive, a home maker, knows how to cook and above all a staunch Christian.

How has the experience been so far, 3 months after the wedding?

The wedding was a game changer;

1. The affection I have towards my wife has tremendously grown and I am now grounded as a family man on a solid Christian foundation.

2. I am now able to access any leadership position in Church because of going through all the sacrament requirements of the Catholic church.

3. My perception towards life has utterly changed and I am now more focused on family and spirituality.

Briefly share your 20- year experience before wedding and the 3 months after wedding

Before wedding I was very outgoing, I was so much into friends and my social life was the thing. I was living carelessly and not putting any regards to spiritual growth. I was baptized on the day of my wedding to mean that I got saved on that day. Looking back, I do not regret but I am better placed to start a new life.

What lessons have you drawn from your wedding experience?

You need to have work-life balance especially have a delicate balance between friends and family.

Family is everything and should always come first.

During the wedding, you realize the kind of support system one has i.e the capacity of your social network. I am happy that all my friends lived up to my expectations, not just through contribution but also through their physical attendance despite the short notice of the wedding.

Parting shot?

The marriage institution is under siege due to the socio-economic challenges among others and this is also putting a drift between man and God. We have a mongrel-like relationships, and in the western world statistically marriage has totally failed due to social deficit. We therefore need to reflect back and retrace our steps to where the rain started beating humankind and hence the need to reconcile with God because family is the basic unit and foundation of Christianity

PLANT VISIT

 Educational visit- Sh12,000 per visit

 Video shooting/photo session-Sh2,500

To visit, make a formal request via a letter to the company through our email address; info@kiwasco.co.ke

MALE OR FEMALE FISH, WHICH IS SWEETER?

It is not in doubt that fish is a mouth-watering delicacy for most communities in Kenya. What is in doubt, however, and which is now the subject of a fierce debate among fishermen and fishmongers, which one is sweeter and as a consumer, how do you even tell them apart?

I set out to find out more about the sweeter sex from 35-year-old Fransisca Awuor, who has been a fishmonger in DUNGA beach Kisumu, for over 18 years, “The female fish is much sweeter as it is very soft and has eggs and is very popular with my customers who constantly ask for fish with eggs anytime they are buying”, she said.

The structure of the fish determines whether it is male or female as the male fish has a big head and is longer compared to their female counterparts. The female ones have a better shape and are heavier," she added. It is obvious why my clients ask for fish that has eggs inside it. Having sold fish for many years, I know the female one tastes better than the male ones.” I also spoke to Charles Otieno who has been a fisherman at Dunga Beach for the past 20 years and sought his opinion on the subject, “what the fish eats determines its taste.” He stated, “It also depends on where the fish stays in the lake. Most of the fish in the middle of the lake have variety

of food hence they taste very different from fish that live near the shores and mostly feed on remains of human foods thrown at the shores and are washed into the lake,” he added. Mr. Otieno also added that high water levels also enhances the taste of fish, "the higher the water level the higher the food and the sweeter the fish and vice versa,” he explains. According to Otieno, in the past, fishermen were not so concerned about the sex of the fish until recently when cage fish farming was introduced. In this new technology, fish are fed according to their sex to allow growth before they are mixed up. He says they look at the navel to distinguish between the male and female fish.

I also met Mr. Maurice Ochieng, 64, a fisherman, who shares Madam francisca’s view that female fish is sweeter because it has eggs and fats. And are also softer. He also believes that the only people who can distinguish fish by sex are those who have lived near the lake or fishermen or fish mongers.

As I was getting more and more intrigued by the belief of seasoned fish mongers and fishermen, I felt I needed professional opinion on this subject which is sweeter, I therefore reached out to Mr. Christopher Aura, the Director of freshwater systems research at KEMFRI, who believes that its all a myth as the taste of fish depends on various factors, including what they feed on, but sex is not one of them. He added that biological and environmental factors contribute immensely in

the taste of fish.

Mr. Aura added that, taste of fish is determined by different factors that include; the environment as it determines what the fish feeds on eg Tilapia feeds on small plants in the water while the Nile perch mostly feeds on other small fish, basically flesh, the genetic nature (type of fish), a person’s taste and preferences which vary from one person to another. He also added that the male fish grows faster than their female counterparts who dedicate much of their food assimilation to production of eggs.

He added that Experts, put Kenyans fish consumptions at 4.6kg annually and urged people all over the world to eat more more fish as it is white meat that is healthy with no side effects’, saysAura. ‘Tilapia is the most sought after fish in the tropical countries because of its taste and also its easily available. Tilapia can be found literally in any water body be it in dams, small water bodies and even lakes and are rich in Omega 3 which are essential for growth’. He concluded.

ByOliviaOdhiambo WriterwiththeStandardNewspaper Firstappearedon6thDec,2021.

TILLWE MEETAGAIN

It was a double tragedy losing two of our own in a span of one month. We lost HellenAdhiambo, who was based at Dunga Treatment Plant. We again lost our Board member Prof. Norbert Opiyo – Aketch.

We thank staff members who came in to mourn with the family of the deceased by contributing financially and offering prayers and spiritual comfort. Their memories will live in our hearts and we shall forever cherish the moments we shared with them.

Fly high our warriors in the sky

Prof. Nobert Opiyo Aketch

Ms. Hellen Adhiambo