ELDOWAS MD Peter Kibet arap Biwott Addresses Board’s Decision Not to Extend His Term Amidst Political Interference
In a recent statement, Peter Biwott, the Managing Director of ELDOWAS Water Services Company, has addressed the Board’s decision not to extend his term in office as unlawful and premature at the same time he attributes to escalating political interference and resistance from entrenched interests.
After a tenure marked by significant reform and progress, Biwott expressed his disappointment over the Board’s purported refusal to renew his contract, a decision he believes reflects the broader challenges of navigating a politically charged environment while striving to improve public service.
“I am deeply saddened by the Board’s unlawful choreographed decision in public gallery amidst orchestrated protests purportedly not to extend my term as Managing Director,” Biwott said. Biwott said legally his evaluation is scheduled to be on 25th July 2024. “Throughout my time at ELDOWAS I have been committed to upholding the rule of law and advancing the mission of providing quality water and sanitation services to our community.”
Biwott’s leadership has been characterized by a series of transformative initiatives aimed at addressing systemic issues within the company. Among his achievements, Biwott highlighted the successful conversion of over 60 casual and contract employees to permanent, pensionable positions, a move designed to align ELDOWAS with best practices and high legal standards. Mr. Biwott hopes full confirmations can be realized sooner than later to motivate and energize all staff.
He also spearheaded major projects including a push for completion of the Kipkaren Treatment Works to increase water supply, secured a groundbreaking green bond for the Chebara Line expansion, and achieved a significant reduction in non-revenue water from 42% to 37% over the past and half years.
However, Biwott acknowledged that his efforts to reform the company and tackle issues such as illegal water connections and water theft have drawn considerable opposition from powerful individuals and groups. “My commitment to transparency and accountability has put me at odds with those who benefit from the status quo,” he stated. “The resistance I faced was not only from within the company but also from influential figures who sought to undermine my efforts for their own gain.”
Biwott revealed that his strict stance against illegal practices and his push for systemic reforms had led to threats and attempts to discredit his work. “I faced threats from well-established cartels and powerful figures who viewed my reforms as a threat to their interests,” he said. “Despite these challenges, I remained focused on my mission to improve service delivery and uphold ethical standards.”
In addition to his operational achievements, Biwott noted that his tenure saw significant advancements in customer service and technical capacity, including an 82% satisfaction rate among customers and opportunities for staff to receive international training and participate in local and global benchmarking activities.
Looking ahead, Biwott expressed hope for the future of ELDOWAS and called for continued support for the initiatives and reforms that have been set in motion. “The reform work we have started must continue,” he said. “I urge our community to support the ongoing projects and uphold the principles of good governance and service excellence that have been the foundation of our achievements.”
Biwott’s leadership is marked by a chapter characterized by significant progress for ELDOWAS. The ELDOWAS boss urged the Board to give him a chance for evaluation when the time comes devoid of emotion, song, dance and unnecessary drama maintaining high corporate standards. He said he is arrived at the next cause of action to ensure his evaluation and performance is highlighted properly. In his self-evaluation, Biwott has scored 82% in his performance contract average for the three years ending 30th June 2024. Biwott believe that when the right time comes and the Board accord him a fair and just evaluation, he will be vindicated and his legacy at ELDOWAS will live on.
Mr. Biwott said that once his evaluation is done, and he is vindicated with his higher performance, he will step aside and focus on other career paths to be revealed later in the year 2024. Mr Biwott thanked his staff, Board, shareholders and all like minded Kenyans who have contributed to his success towards enhance the realization of water and sanitation for all
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