Kisumu:The Kenyan government is taking action to address significant water losses amounting to over Sh11 billion annually. These losses stem from various issues such as physical leaks, illegal connections, and billing inefficiencies, according to Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Muriithi Mugaa.
According to Kenya News Agency, Eng. Mugaa disclosed that approximately 242 million cubic metres of the 504 million cubic metres of water produced in Kenya each year is unaccounted for, representing between 44 to 48 percent of the total water supply. This lost water is categorized as non-revenue water, which is treated water that fails to reach consumers or is not billed.
In response to these challenges, the government has formed a specialized Water Police Unit to combat illegal connections and safeguard public water infrastructure. Officers will be stationed at water agency headquarters to assist in these efforts. The Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) has received 10 officers to bolster its operations.
During the LVSWWDA’s Annual Stakeholders meeting in Kisumu, Eng. Mugaa emphasized the need for policy and institutional reforms to bridge financing gaps and enhance access to safe water. He highlighted issues such as vandalism of infrastructure, which increases maintenance costs and undermines public investments.
Kenya is categorized as a water-scarce country, with renewable freshwater supplies below 1,000 cubic meters per capita annually. Currently, about 19 to 20 million Kenyans lack access to basic drinking water, and approximately 33 to 36 million lack basic sanitation facilities. The CS urged water agencies to consider infrastructure designs that are less prone to vandalism.
He also questioned the acceptance of a 25 percent benchmark for non-revenue water, urging for more ambitious goals, citing Japan’s lower rates as an example. The government has introduced reforms through the 2024 amendment to the Water Act, expanding the mandate of Water Works Development Agencies and encouraging private sector participation.
Despite investments in water infrastructure, reliable access remains a challenge, particularly in the Lake Victoria South Basin. To address this, the LVSWWDA received a bulk water service provision license, tasking it with ensuring consistent water quality and infrastructure maintenance.
The meeting, themed “Water Security, Sanitation and Shared Inclusivity,” addressed obstacles such as inadequate financing and governance issues. LVSWWDA CEO Jacklyn Kemunto announced a Sh48.2 billion target for financing water and sanitation projects over five years. Cooperation between county governments and water agencies was emphasized as crucial for improving water services.
Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, representing regional governors, pledged collaboration with water agencies to ensure reliable water services, stressing the importance of viewing these entities as partners rather than competitors. The forum served as a platform for stakeholders to evaluate progress and discuss sustainable solutions for water supply and sanitation.
Source Kenya News Agency
