Iten town will receive Sh2 billion funding from the Belgium government to expand water and sewerage services. The town, which has more than 10,000 people, has been facing a serious water problem.

"The government has negotiated for good terms for the money which will largely be a loan to be repaid within the time to be agreed on," said director of Water Services Peter Mangiti.

Speaking in Iten, Mangtiti said the plan to improve water supply in Iten town is part of a master plan for the sector in Kenya.

The government will use Sh350 billion to implement the master plan in five years. Donors have pledged to give more than half of the money for projects which will increase access to clean water to more than 85 per cent from the current 65.

Mangiti said the donors are interested in the conservation of the environment especially the water towers. "This is because we have to sustain our water sources if the plan is to work effectively", he added.

The donors include the German and Belgium governments. Mangiti said the government has implemented key reforms and put in place strong institutions to help manage the available water resources. Water supply in major towns like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret will be upgraded to improve efficiency.