The government has now gazetted all water resources across the country as part of the critical infrastructure that falls under the protected areas Act.
This now means you will need to seek permission or clearance from relevant authorities to access any of these water resources which include reservoirs and dams among others.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki who spoke on Monday when he unveiled a special police unit to help secure the infrastructure said for a long time, there have been attempts by criminals to vandalize the infrastructure for economic reasons.
“Going forward, it is important for the members of the public to familiarize themselves with the implications of this gazettement so that they avoid accessing these facilities without clearance,” he stated.
The new police unit drawn from the Administration police’s Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) will be deployed to all critical water installations.
It will be tasked with providing 24-hour protection while responding to "emerging security threats".
The Act, Kindiki stated, provides for special protection and procedures for the removal of persons who might be found in such places illegally.
Present during the event were Principal secretaries Paul Rono (Water) and Raymond Omollo (Interior).
The formation of the unit is a result of a revelation by the Ministry of Water that up to Sh10.6 billion is lost yearly on non-revenue water.
There are nine waterworks agencies across the country responsible for the development, maintenance and management of water and sewerage infrastructure.
It has cited vandalism, illegal connections, and corruption as the leading causes.
"Upon deliberation by the Ministry of Water and the NPS, a need was identified to provide armed security and protection to critical water facilities to avert criminal activities that may greatly derail water resources in up to 34 counties under the water works development agencies," the Ministry said in an earlier statement.
