In a bid to alleviate the water scarcity that has long plagued Kitui County, around 700 women are set to benefit from water tanks purchased with funds raised during a harambee led by former Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza.
The fundraiser, held in February this year, successfully garnered Ksh. 5.8 million to help the women harvest and store rainwater during the rainy season. According to Gladys Julius, chairperson of the Kitui County Union of Savings and Credit (KICUSA), this initiative is crucial for the women who have struggled with unreliable water supply, aiming to significantly improve their daily lives.
Responding to misinformation spreading on social media, Julius clarified that Hon. Malonza was neither an official nor a signatory of KICUSA but simply a member of Malyamu Sacco.
The union’s secretary, Mr. Musyoka Kavukua, confirmed that the harambee raised Ksh. 5.8 million—not Ksh. 8 million as claimed by some disgruntled members. He emphasized that the money would serve its intended purpose of purchasing water tanks and not be diverted for other uses, dismissing accusations as attempts to malign Malonza and derail her political ambitions.
The initiative has, however, been tainted by a smear campaign against Hon. Malonza, with political rivals falsely accusing her of misappropriating the funds. These allegations are unfounded and appear to be part of a broader attempt to discredit the former CS. Malonza has no financial ties to KICUSA, and all funds raised were deposited into the union’s account, which is managed independently.
The union remains committed to its mission and will begin distributing tanks on September 14, fulfilling its promise to support the women of Kitui.
Despite efforts to disrupt the project, the union has remained focused, with Mr. Kavukua outlining that each woman is required to contribute Ksh. 10,000, while the union will cover the remaining costs to secure a 2,500-litre tank. Internal conflicts have arisen, however, as some members sought to divert funds towards training programs that were never agreed upon.
A heated meeting on August 19, 2024, saw members demand transparency and assurance that the tanks would be distributed by September, prompting Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto to intervene amid allegations of fund misuse.
This situation highlights the challenges of managing community projects amid political tensions and misinformation. For the women of Kitui, the water tanks symbolize more than just a solution to water scarcity—they represent hope for a better future.
As KICUSA navigates these disputes and prepares for the tank distribution, the women remain united in their demand for transparency and are determined to see the funds used as intended, ensuring a lasting impact on their communities.
Ends///
