Water CS calls for action as Kenya's Non-Revenue Water crisis hits 60%
Non-Revenue Water, measure of water lost through leakages, theft, or inefficiency stands at an alarming 60 per cent, far above the national average of 43 per cent.
The Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Eric Mugaa, has called for urgent measures to address the high levels of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) across the country.
Speaking on Friday, the CS revealed that according to the Financial Year 2022- 2023 performance report by the Water Services Regulatory Board, NRW a measure of water lost through leakages, theft, or inefficiency stands at an alarming 60 per cent, far above the national average of 43 per cent.
This, he said is way higher than the acceptable benchmark of less than 25 per cent
"No water service provider in any of the 47 counties has attained the acceptable NRW benchmark. This is a clear indicator that much more needs to be done to improve operational efficiency," Mugaa stated.
He was speaking during the official launch of Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency Strategic Plan 2023-2027 in Kisumu County.
Key projects
Despite the challenges, the CS noted that major strides have been made in the water sector.
Between 2019 and 2022, the government mobilised approximately Sh36 billion to implement water projects in various regions.
These efforts as explained by CS Mugaa aimed to boost water coverage from 53 percent to 80 percent and sanitation coverage from 17 percent to 43 percent.
However, only 50 per cent of the water target and 20 per cent of the sanitation target were achieved.
Under the Water for Schools program, more than 157 boreholes were drilled, equipping schools and learning institutions with access to water.
"This initiative has reached over 845,000 people with water services and served a population of 100,000 under universal health coverage," the CS stated.
Additionally, the Ministry has commissioned key water projects, including Kericho Water Supply, Oyugi Water Supply, Siaya-Bondo Water Supply, and Homa Bay Water Supply.
"These projects have significantly improved health and living standards. I urge county governments to ensure last-mile connectivity to achieve 100% coverage by 2030," Mugaa stated.
The CS noted that the Kenya Kwanza administration continues to prioritise water infrastructure development, with major projects underway across the country.
These include the Pemba Dam in Kwale, the Kiptogot-Kolongolo project in Trans Nzoia, and water supply systems in Busia, Nandi Hills, Kerugoya-Kutus, and Chuka, among others.
Northern Collector Tunnel
Notably, the long-awaited Northern Collector Tunnel has been completed and awaits commissioning by President William Ruto.
The ambitious goal of achieving universal access to water and sanitation by 2030 as highlighted by CS Mugaa requires an estimated Sh935 billion.
To bridge this financial gap, the government has turned to public-private partnerships (PPPs).
"Recently, His Excellency, the President, assented to the Water Act Amendment Bill 2024, which provides a framework for PPPs to drive the sector forward," he announced.
The Ministry's National Water and Sanitation Plan incorporates priorities from all 47 counties through County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs). This integrated approach is key to realizing the universal human right to water and dignified sanitation.
As Kenya pushes toward universal water and sanitation access, Mugaa reiterated the importance of collective effort.
"The government remains committed, but we cannot do it alone. Collaboration with county governments, private partners, and communities is essential to meet our goals," he concluded.
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