Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi wants counties to ensure water companies are run professionally without corruption even as the government remains committed in transforming the way it manages its water resources
Mudavadi said the water companies should have good corporate governance as required by the Regulator and they must reduce Non-Revenue water in their utilities to acceptable level.
He made the remarks when he officially officiated 12th Edition of Water Companies Sports Association (WASCO) games at William ole Ntimama Stadium on Monday.
Mudavadi was accompanied by Water Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Narok Governor Patrick ole Ntutu among other leaders.
“The government assures all water utilities of its commitment to offer the necessary investments to the realisation of universal access to water for all as a constitutional right,” said Mudavadi.
“Urgent action is needed to overcome this global crisis of climate change. The phenomenon is affecting all countries around the world, socially, economically and environmentally; and Kenya is not spared,” said Mudavadi.
The Prime CS said that water and sanitation are at the core of sustainable development. He added that the range of services they provide underpin economic growth and environmental sustainability.
“However, in recent decades, deforestation, pollution, and climate change have led to severe water stress not only in Kenya but across the World. Kenya is a water stressed country,” he said.
Mudavadi also noted that a considerable size of the population still lack access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation.
“Climate change is exacerbating the situation with increasing disasters such as floods and droughts resulting to resource-based conflicts,” he said.
The prime CS admitted that all have been affected by the effects of droughts, flooding, unpredictable rainfall patterns thus hampering provision of water and basic sanitation by the utilities.
On her part, Wahome said the climate change phenomenon and its effects especially the emergence of severe cycles of droughts, floods and desertification, are increasingly impacting and critically reducing the country’s renewable freshwater resources.
“Kenya is listed as one of the water scarce countries, and to address this situation, the Government is implementing programmes such as construction of dams aimed at increasing access to water and sanitation to all as enshrined in the Constitution, and also as part of the mandate of the Ministry,” said Wahome.
She added that her ministry is alert to the challenges of diminishing water resources and an ever-growing national population that increases the demand for water.
“The provision of water and sanitation is a devolved function. I therefore call upon all the water service providers (WSPs) to partner and collaborate to ensure that consumers are given appropriate attention they deserve in terms of access to water and sanitation in their areas of jurisdiction,” she said.
The CS also noted that the Water Act, 2002 brought about separation of policy making, water services, water resources management, and regulation functions.
“This has led to decentralization of functions, clear institutional framework, increased investment and greater stakeholder participation. The Water Act, 2016 has enhanced water sector reforms through creation of new sector institutions for better service delivery,” she said.
Wahome said the government will continue to implement policy, governance and legal interventions to increase water storage and improve sanitation in the country.
Ntutu said the water companies plays a critical role in mitigating the climate change and impact directly in water availability and quality.
“As guardian of water sources and distributing of system, we must promote sustainable water management, invest in green infrastructure, incorporate climate concern and support the local communities collectively to mitigate these global issues,” he said.
