Face Behind Dunga the Changes in Dunga Intake

1000 tree seedlings in Nyalenda Oxidation ponds (lagoons). The entourage drove slowly through Oginga Odinga street in Kisumu to Nyalenda ponds while encouraging people to plant trees. They were later joined by staff and Salvation Army Band which led the procession through Nyalenda to the Lagoons. Speaking during the tree planting drive, KIWASCO MD, reiterated that the company was happy to host the Waspa Bi-monthly meeting. “There is something to learn from one another irrespective of size. To fight the effects of climate change, WASPA association included tree planting in their environmental protection agenda and as such today we have planted 1000 trees. As Kiwasco,

Staff display Kiwasco flag during the procession. Photo/file

local dodo dancers .The team ended the visit with a tour of Dunga treatment plant where they got to understand the operations .This was later crowned with a sumptuous lunch of fish (Tilapia) by the shores of Lake Victoria. As they left, they sure had a feel of Kisumu’s beauty and appreciated our hospitality throughout their stay.

tree planting is slowly becoming the norm.” He added that,

“environmental conservation is crucial to the company because when water abstraction points are polluted, the cost of treating becomes high”. On the last day of the visit, the team visited Kit-Mikayi where they climbed up to the highest point and listened to the luo folklore associated with the landmarks, they also shared a gig with the

A Staff ride s on a motorbike during the procession. Photo/file

PICTORIAL

Mr. Thomas Odongo giving his welcoming remarks. Photo/file

Guest network as they have dinner at Acacia hotel. Photo/file. MD Kiwasco (2nd right) hands over a gift hamper to H.E Prof. Nyong’o (centre). Photo/file

Kiwasco management team during the chairman’s dinner. Photo/file

A section of the management team pose for a photo at the dinner. Photo/file

PICTORIAL

Photo file: The Waspa Bi-monthly meeting at Ciala resort.

Photo file: Photo of the MDs as they toured Dunga Treatment plant, clarifier.

Photo file: The procession passing through Nyalenda on the way to the lagoons. Photo file: Chief Engineer Mr. Jura take the MDs through the operations of Dunga Treat-

Photo file: Photo of the MDs as they toured Dunga Treatment plant, clarifier.

Photo file: Guests proceed for the tree planting at the designated points at the Lagoons.

Kiwasco motorbike riders in the procession. Phot/file Mr. Orimba watering a tree he planted. Phot/file

Mr. Shem Otieno ICT Manager - Kiwasco ERP SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

I can’t forget July 2019 when Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Vinod Patel pressed the big button to mark the start of our ERP implementation journey in KIWASCO. This was a project which I had anticipated for so long because it would be a game-changer for the company. We had started our journey of digitization but this would revolutionize our mode of operations. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a system of integrated software applications that was aimed at standardizing, streamlining, and integrating business processes throughout the company, that meant that all processes including water production, water distribution, commercial services, customer relationship, finance, supply chain and human resources would be linked and be able to communicate to one another. ERP system was meant for the business to gain visibility, increase productivity and operational efficiency, reduce costs and enhance competitiveness in the water sector. Most importantly, the system is meant to enhance decision making using available and credible data that could be generated at the touch of a button and also be able to share that data with ease. Following the successful implementation, KIWASCO joins the list of pioneers in the Water Service Providers (WSPs) in Kenya to implement the ERP system. In answering to the changing customer needs and the fluctuating business environment, the company implemented a robust smart billing system called Ufanisi and Microsoft Dynamic Business Central 365. During the Covid-19 pandemic, staff could easily work from anywhere and supervision would still be done effectively. Hence it enabled business continuity in all areas. This was a time that only those who had embraced technology in their business survived. I can say that the project was opportune as it came just at the right time. The ERP system that we are using was tailor-made to suit our needs and functionality hence the need for the five major modules which inclue, Commercial and CRM,

9

Staff look on as they await for the official launch of the ERP system Photo/file

Technical, Finance and Human resource modules. Most of the components in the modules are working well, but like any other modules, they are constantly updated to improve results. So, was it a smooth sailing from the word go? The answer is no as we had major hiccups but the project was a success thanks to the support that the project got from the beginning from the Board of Directors, Managing Director and Staff who were at the center of testing and giving feedback to enhance the modules. Another reason for the breakthrough was the champions that were chosen from each department to see the project succeed, they not only provided feedback but also stood firm even when the pressure to give up was too much they include ICT department namely Edward, Sharmwey and Nelson alongside the Project Implementation committee led by the Chairman Elly Odhiambo and not forgetting the super users Kevin Obat, Amos Odhiambo, Geoffrey Opiyo and Lawrence Owino and the entire workforce. A BIG thank you to the team. “If your business is not on the Internet then your business will be out of business”. Bill Gates