The Kenyan government has identified a significant challenge in the water sector, with over Ksh11 billion lost annually due to water leakages, illegal connections, faulty metering, and billing inefficiencies. To address this issue, the cabinet has introduced measures to enhance accountability in the sector. Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa announced the creation of a specialized Water Police Unit to combat illegal connections, water theft, and vandalism.
According to Mugaa, approximately 242 million cubic meters of water, which accounts for 44-48% of the 504 million cubic meters produced, is lost each year as non-revenue water. The Water Police Unit has already been deployed to agency headquarters, with ten officers assigned to the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA). This move aims to protect public infrastructure and reduce maintenance costs.
The government has also expanded the mandate of LVSWWDA to supply water in bulk while maintaining quality, timely delivery, and infrastructure upkeep. During a meeting in Kisumu, LVSWWDA received a bulk-water service provision licence from the Water Services Regulatory Board. This development enables the agency to play a more significant role in addressing the country's water challenges.
Mugaa highlighted the reforms introduced by the 2024 amendment to the Water Act, which broadened Water Works Development Agencies' responsibilities and opened the door for private-sector participation through public-private partnerships. These reforms aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of water services in the country.
LVSWWDA chief executive Jacklyn Kemunto outlined the agency's strategic plan to mobilize Ksh48.2 billion from 2023 to 2027 to fund water supply, sanitation, sewerage development, maintenance, and environmental conservation. However, Kemunto identified inadequate financing, governance challenges, climate variability, and vandalism as key obstacles that need to be addressed.
Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, speaking on behalf of regional governors, pledged joint effort from county and national authorities to protect infrastructure. He noted that delayed county payments for water supplied to public institutions have strained water service providers. The governors' commitment to cooperation is crucial in addressing the challenges facing the water sector.
LVSWWDA serves eight counties, including Kisumu, Siaya, Kericho, Homa Bay, Kisii, Nyamira, Bomet, and Migori. Under recent improvements, water connectivity has risen from 57% to 62%, and sewerage coverage has increased from 27% to 35%. The agency's efforts aim to enhance access to clean water and sanitation services in the region.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has lost over Ksh11 billion annually due to water leakages, illegal connections, faulty metering, and billing inefficiencies.
- A new Water Police Unit has been established to combat illegal connections, water theft, and vandalism in the water sector.
- LVSWWDA has received a bulk-water service provision licence, enabling it to supply water in bulk while maintaining quality and infrastructure upkeep.
