Speaking during a
three-day retreat in Naivasha bringing together senior management, committee
chairpersons and senior staff, NWHSA CEO Julius Mugun said the authority plays
a critical role in implementing government programmes through the development
of water infrastructure across the country.
He urged employees to
remain focused on the institution's core mandate of identifying water sources
that can be harvested, stored and utilized for irrigation, domestic consumption
and hydropower generation.
"Our duty is not
to make noise. Our duty is to bring our minds together, harness the brilliant
ideas that exist within this organisation and identify the best solutions that
will streamline water infrastructure development across the country," said
Mugun.
He emphasized that
collaboration and innovation are essential in addressing some of the country's
most pressing challenges, including flooding in both urban and rural centres.
"The flood menace
in Nairobi can become a thing of the past if we harness our collective minds
for the benefit of the country. We must work together, make sacrifices, and
tirelessly serve the government and the nation," he said.
The CEO further challenged staff to prioritize planning and project design before focusing on funding.
"We should not
limit ourselves because resources have not yet been allocated. Let us first
identify water sources, design solutions and develop projects. Once the plans
are ready, we can seek the necessary budget for implementation," he said.
According to Mugun,
such an approach would enable the government to identify more opportunities for
water harvesting and storage while ensuring resources are allocated to
well-conceived projects.
NWHSA board chairperson
Jane Mwikali echoed the CEO's sentiments, calling for unity and professionalism
among staff as the authority advances the government's development agenda.
"A united
institution with a shared vision will drive government programmes that directly
benefit ordinary Kenyans. Water is life and the staff of the National Water
Harvesting and Storage Authority are at the centre of delivering this important
mandate," said Mwikali.
She urged employees to
avoid unnecessary conflicts and office politics that could undermine service
delivery.
"We must avoid
unnecessary squabbles and politics that interfere with our work. The country
needs our collective effort now more than ever before," she said.
Mwikali reminded the
participants that their professional achievements reflected years of hard work
and excellence.
"Each one of you
earned your place through outstanding performance in school and professional
training. You cannot afford to lower those standards when it comes to
delivering government programmes that impact millions of Kenyans," she
added.
The retreat concluded with participants committing to strengthen teamwork, share knowledge and support the authority's mission of expanding water harvesting and storage.
