Nakuru: The County Government of Nakuru is increasing investments in new technologies such as modern pipelines and advanced metering solutions (smart meters) to reduce non-revenue water losses. The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) of Water, Environment, Climate Change, Energy, and Natural Resources, Dr. Nelson Maara, stated that the County government aims to reduce wastages in water generated from its three Water Service Providers (WSPs) from an average of 54 percent to 20 percent through several intervention measures.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Maara explained that the County was exploring the application of the Geographical Information System (GIS) for receiving real-time data on bursts and leakages, installing smart meters for accurate billing, replacing dilapidated infrastructure, and developing institutional anti-corruption policies and enforcement measures to prevent illegal connections. He noted that Kenya loses about 430,000 cubic meters of water annually, equivalent to Sh12.2 billio
n, due to unnecessary wastages. By fixing inefficiencies in water supply systems, Dr. Maara argued, it will save a huge portion of public finances.
Dr. Maara further highlighted that nationally, more than 200 million cubic meters of water valued at over Sh12 billion are being lost annually. Such losses lead to a reduction in the quality and availability of water services, often resulting in inadequate water and sanitation access for citizens. He assured that his department was implementing several measures to curb water losses, including leak detection and repair, conducting regular audits and monitoring to identify and address leaks promptly, replacing aging pipes with durable ones, installing modern tamper-proof meters to improve billing accuracy, and promoting public education on water conservation and leak reporting.
Speaking during a workshop themed ‘Accelerating Reduction of Non-Revenue Water to Sustainable Levels,’ Dr. Maara pledged that old wastewater treatment, water supply, and sewerage systems ma
naged by the Nakuru Water and Sanitation Services Company Ltd (NAWASSCO), Nakuru Rural Water and Sanitation Company Limited (NARUWASCO), and Naivasha Water, Sewerage and Sanitation Company Ltd (NAIVAWASCO) will be rehabilitated and upgraded to provide improved safe water access to communities in the devolved unit. He underscored the importance of safe water supplies, hygienic sanitation, and good water management, stating they are fundamental to public health and environmental conservation.
Non-Revenue Water (NRW) refers to water produced but lost through inefficient or rundown supply infrastructure, malfunctioning meters, leaks, theft, and meter inaccuracies before reaching customers. The Water Services and Regulatory Board (WASREB) defines levels of Non-Revenue Water of under 20 percent as good, 20-25 percent as acceptable, and over 25 percent as not acceptable. Non-revenue water affects the sustainability and economic viability of water utilities.
A Non-Revenue Water (NRW) audit carried out by the County
recently revealed that the three Water Service Providers lose more than half of their treated drinking water to leaks, theft, and meter inaccuracies, resulting in monthly losses of over Shs 40 million and scarcity of the commodity. In July 2023, the Ministry of Water and Environment launched the Non-Revenue Water Management Standards, followed by ongoing campaigns to encourage sustainable management of non-revenue water across the sector.
The national government, through various agencies, has developed several policies to promote the enjoyment of the right to ‘clean and safe water in adequate quantities and to reasonable standards of sanitation,’ as stipulated in Article 43 of the Constitution. Kenya has an ambitious national water master plan with 2030 targets. It also focuses on the Sustainable Development Goal number six, concerning clean water and sanitation. So far, Kenya scores 52 percent in implementing integrated water resources management as a component of SDG-6.
Through the development of the Nati
onal Water Master Plan, Japan has been working with Kenya in assessing and evaluating the availability, reliability, and quality of the country’s water resources, considering the effects of climate change and rapid urbanization.
