Chinese state-owned Sichuan Roads and Bridges Group has been revealed as the private developer of Kenya’s proposed $389 million Mzima II water pipeline. The water pipeline will expand water supply across four coastal counties.
Mzima II Water Pipeline to Serve Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and Taita Taveta Counties
The 220-kilometre pipeline will transport water from Mzima Springs in Taita Taveta County to storage facilities at Mazeras in Kilifi County. It will serve Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and Taita Taveta. The project is also part of Kenya’s government strategy to ensure access to clean water for its citizens. Kenya is actively developing infrastructure to ensure that there is adequate clean water supply for domestic use and irrigation.
Also, according to the National Treasury’s Public Private Partnership Directorate, the project remains in the development and feasibility study phase. Construction has not yet received final clearance.
Size and Capacity
The proposed pipeline will have a diameter of 1,200 millimetres. Additionally, it will have a design capacity of 105,000 cubic metres per day which is equivalent to 105 million litres of water daily.
Scope
Its scope includes water intake facilities at Mzima Springs, bulk transmission infrastructure, pumping stations, storage reservoirs and connections to downstream distribution networks. Moreover, the pipeline would supplement the existing Mzima I system, which has supplied water to coastal communities since 1957.
Furthermore, the ageing pipeline has experienced leaks and bursts, contributing to supply interruptions as regional demand has increased. Engineer Samuel Soda Bengi, associated with the Coast Water Works Development Authority, noted that the existing pipeline is deteriorating.
Key Timelines to Note
Also, the project is proposed under a build-operate-transfer arrangement between Sichuan Roads and Bridges Group and the Coast Water Works Development Authority. Lastly, under the 30-year concession, three years are allocated for construction followed by 27 years of operation and maintenance.
Project Factsheet
Project Name: Mzima II Water Supply Pipeline
Private Developer: Sichuan Roads and Bridges Group (SRBG)
Contracting Authority: Coast Water Works Development Authority
Estimated Value: KES 50.6 billion (~USD 389 million)
Project Model: Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) under a 30-year PPP concession (3 years construction, 27 years operations)
Location and Coverage: 220-kilometer pipeline running from Mzima Springs in Taita Taveta County to Mazeras storage reservoirs in Kilifi County, serving Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, and Mombasa counties
Capacity: 1,200 mm pipeline diameter providing 105,000 cubic meters (105 million liters) of water daily
Key Features: Mzima Springs water intake facilities, bulk transmission mains, pumping stations, storage reservoirs, and distribution network connections
Current Status: Undergoing project development and feasibility studies; awaiting final construction clearance
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