Turkana County forms selection committee for new water company boards

The Turkana Department of Water Services has taken a crucial step in the establishment of Urban and Rural Water Companies by inducting members of the selection committee on Friday.

The committee's primary task is to recruit the board of directors for the new water companies, with a focus on adherence to legal and institutional frameworks governing water services provision in Kenya.

During the induction, legal practitioner and facilitator, John Mutuku, emphasised the importance of adhering to guidelines set by the Water and Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) and the regulations outlined in the Water Act, 2016. He highlighted the need to map stakeholders to ensure an inclusive outcome that complies with legal requirements.

"The selection committee's role is to conduct recruitments, prepare reports, and submit them for ratification at the Annual General Meeting," Mutuku said.

Faith Aletea, County Executive for Water Services, expressed how the plan aligns with the County Government's Agenda to ensure water access for all Turkana residents.

She emphasised the delegation of management responsibility to the grassroots level through the management of the two water companies, creating an opportunity for the Department to undertake supervisory roles.

CECM Aletea urged the Committee to appoint competent and experienced directors in water provision, while David Maraka, Chief Officer for Water Services, assured the committee of his support and readiness for the task at hand. Maraka also cautioned the team against potential conflicts of interest during the recruitment process.

The induction culminated in the appointment of Mary Lomojo from Turkana West as the chair of the Selection Committee. Lomojo will be expected to lead the committee in executing its mandate in accordance with the law.

The induction was attended by key figures including Paul Lotum (Director, Water Services), Aremon George (Deputy Director, Water Services), and Esther Lokitoe (MD Lowasco). This marks a significant milestone in the journey towards setting up effective governance for the new water companies and ensuring water provision for all residents across Turkana County.