Plans are underway for Uasin Gishu County to partner with a Swedish water and disinfecting firm in a move highly anticipated to improve cleanliness and most significantly help avert cases of waterborne diseases.
Governor Jackson Mandago held talks with a team from XiniX Water and Disinfecting Company based in Sweden. Kenyan Ambassador to Sweden Dr Joseph Sang was also in attendance.
The company presented its non-alcoholic disinfecting reagents whose components are purely water.
“These are the things we need. Our county always wants to be a first in embracing technological advancements especially those whose effects will directly help to improve on the livelihoods of our people,” the Governor said during the meeting.
XiniX Company representative Richard Ndubai said the products varied from surface sanitisers and water purifiers. The company is the first to develop a sanitizing product which is non-alcoholic, Ndubai said, adding that the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has qualified the products.
The Governor asked the company to present their products for scrutiny by independent agencies so the county can start using the products.
“As soon as your product is approved, especially the one for sanitizing surfaces; we can ask Kemsa to supply us with it for use in our 117 health facilities. This one is the best especially for our theatres,” he said.
Another product presented by the company is the Chlorine Dioxide Solution, which is used to purify water. Kenyan water companies are currently using chlorine powder, which is imported and is said to have side effects including causing a certain type of cancer.
The product is a good one for use before sewer water is re-introduced back to rivers. It kills germs and reduces smell, two factors which are currently still big challenges to water and sanitation companies.
“And for the case of water purifier, we really want you to team up with our water provider, Eldowas. We have the biggest volume of waters in our county and therefore when it comes to purifying and further making water safe, we are very interested,” Governor Mandago said.
Later, it was agreed during the meeting, XiniX and Eldowas will deliberate on the possibility of establishing a Chloride Dioxide Company here in Uasin Gishu County.
“We really need such advancements. Please consider setting up your subsidiary in our county because you are already sure of the political will and the market. Kenya needs good water purification practices to avoid cases of cholera outbreak which is affecting parts of Nyanza region,” Governor Mandago closed.