Nakuru Woman Representative Lisa Chelule has highlighted the ongoing issue of inadequate water access, particularly impacting women in the county and across Kenya. Many women, especially those in remote areas like Subukia, Gilgil, and Naivasha, continue to spend significant time fetching water.
Chelule has distributed nearly 100 water tanks to the sub-counties of Bahati, Nakuru Town East, and Nakuru Town West. She explained that these tanks will enable vulnerable families to access clean water and free up time for women, allowing them to focus on other essential tasks. Improved water availability will also extend learning hours for girls who often assist their mothers with water collection.
“Water is crucial for women, not only for daily use but also for menstrual hygiene and overall cleanliness,” Chelule noted. She was joined by colleagues from 14 counties during the distribution, which was supported by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund. In addition to the water tanks, the families received sewing machines and soap-making equipment. The recipients included widows, elderly women, and people with disabilities.
Chelule emphasized that rainwater harvesting will help communities become more resilient to climate change impacts, such as extended droughts.
The women MPs also called for immediate and rigorous action to address the increasing incidents of sexual and gender-based violence and femicide in Kenya. They condemned recent attacks, including the murder of women in Nairobi’s Pipeline area and Rongai in Nakuru. In mid-July, the bodies of women were found in an abandoned quarry in Mukuru kwa Njenga slums, and in August, a suspected serial killer was linked to the rape, torture, and murder of six women, including a child, in Rongai.
Chelule demanded that the state ensure safety for women and girls, calling for strict measures from security agencies and the judiciary. “We need strong actions from our security forces to protect women and girls everywhere,” she said, asserting that any form of gender-based violence is unacceptable and should be met with severe legal consequences.
