FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 21, 2025
ELDOWAS SHUTS DOWN KESSES WATER TREATMENT PLANT AS PRECAUTION FOLLOWING REPORTED CHEMICAL SPILLAGE IN THE UPSTREAM RIVER
Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County — The Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS) wishes to update the public regarding a reported incident of chemical spillage that occurred in the Matharu area, Tarakwa Ward,Timboroa Location.
According to witnesses, a lorry transporting a white industrial substance and reportedly en route to the Democratic Republic of Congo overturned, causing the material to spill into the River Kipkarren–Bindura–Kesses system.This river forms a critical part of the upstream catchment that flows directly into Kesses Dam, which supplies water to the Kesses Water Treatment Plant.
In line with our commitment to public health and safety, ELDOWAS has taken the following immediate actions:
1. Shutdown of the Kesses Water Treatment Plant
As a precautionary measure, the Kesses Plant has been temporarily shut down to prevent any risk of contaminated raw water entering the treatment system before the full composition of the spilled substance is confirmed.
2. Emergency Water Quality Surveillance
Our water quality team has been dispatched to conduct upstream and downstream sampling along the affected river stretch and within Kesses Dam.
As multi-agency teams continue to assess the incident and confirm the nature of the chemical involved, residents are encouraged to remain alert and to report any unusual smells, colours, or frothing observed in nearby water bodies through our emergency lines.
We appreciate our customers’ patience and will continue to provide updates through our official communication channels. ELDOWAS remains committed to delivering safe and clean water to all residents. We apologize for any inconvenience and assure you of our ongoing efforts to enhance the water supply system.
For inquiries, please contact:
Email: info@eldowas.or.ke
Mobile: +254 724 255 538
Landline: +254 (0)53-2035000
Toll-Free: 0800-211-155
CPA Dr. Lawrence Tanui, PhD Managing Director
Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS)
