The National Assembly's Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy chaired by Hon. David Pkosing (Pokot South) has given the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency a two-month ultimatum to address persistent water service challenges in western Kenya.

Members of the Committee expressed dissatisfaction with continued water shortages, high levels of non-revenue water and what they described as weak oversight of county water service providers despite substantial public investment in water infrastructure.

Hon. Beatrice Adagala (Vihiga County), painted a grim picture of water shortages across her county. She accused local water service providers of failing residents despite substantial investments in water infrastructure.

"People in Vihiga are suffering, there is no water, taps are dry. Women are carrying the burden every day while we continue sitting here discussing reports," she said.

Responding to the concerns, the Chief Executive Officer Joel Wamalwa acknowledged existing operational challenges, attributing many of them to governance weaknesses within county owned water companies.

He informed the committee that the agency had begun taking back operational control of some treatment works to restore production and improve service delivery.

"We have taken over our treatment works because we found they were not being operated efficiently,” he said

“Once we restore operations, county companies will purchase treated water in bulk under service level agreements," he added.

Unsatisfied with the agency's explanations, the MPs directed the agency to return before Committee after two months with evidence of measurable improvements.

Hon. Pkosing instructed the agency to reorganise operations and strengthen collaboration with county water service providers in Vihiga, Mumias and Kimilili.

"We are giving you two months to reorganise the administration of water services within your jurisdiction. When you return, we want a positive story from western Kenya," he said.