About National Water
Who we are
The Water Act No. 43 of 2016 came into effect on 21st April, 2017 and therein established the National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority. (NWHSA)
Our Mandate
Undertake on behalf of the national government, the development of national public water works for water…
Our Projects
“Developing and managing national water works infrastructure towards enhancing water security, flood mitigation and storage for multipurpose use.”
Latest News
November 21, 2025During the State of the Nation address, His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H, reiterated the need to harvest and store rainwater to increase land under irrigation especially in semiarid regions saying only 15% of Kenya can support rain-fed agriculture which is limited to feed the entire nation while 85% of Kenya does not receive sufficient rainfall.
The President said that dams can transform our Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) into productive agricultural areas to avoid relying on rain-fed agriculture.
He added that the government through the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation intends to construct 50 mega dams nationwide, alongside 200 additional medium and small dams and thousands of micro dams. He said these dams will collect and store for domestic use and irrigation with a target of at least 2.5 million acres under irrigation within the next five to seven years.
He said the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation alongside all relevant agencies, has mapped out these water projects that include High Grand Falls, a mega dam on river Daua in Mandera, Isiolo-Barsalinga dam, Yatta in Machakos, Sigly canal in Garissa, Soin Koru in Kisumu, Rumuruti in Laikipia, Thuci in Embu and Tharaka-Nithi, Lowaat in Turkana; Muhoya dam straddling Nyeri and Kirinyaga, Narosura in Narok and Arror in Elgeyo-Marakwet.
Others include Ndarugu in Kiambu, Kokwanyo in Homa Bay, Rare in Kilifi, Tongaren in Bungoma, and many more strategic sites nationwide.
“The commitment to harvest and store water is not simply about food and water security. It is a strategic, nation shaping investment, one that underpins our aspiration to be a net exporter of agricultural products; it underpins economic independence, rural prosperity, and sustainable development.” President Ruto
His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., [...]
Read more...
November 20, 2025The Authority is among the first government institutions to implement and operationalize the Electronic Government Procurement (E-GP) system.
The E-GP system is an online platform developed by the National Treasury to manage the procurement processes of government entities. It facilitates electronic handling of tendering, bidding, Evaluation, contract awarding, and contract management.
The system facilitates electronic handling of tendering, bidding, evaluation, contract awarding and management. It further ensures a secure, fair, and efficient procurement lifecycle.
The E-GP system allows government organizations to:
• Publish tenders electronically.
• Receive and evaluate bids online.
• Award contracts through a streamlined digital process
Suppliers and contractors can register on the platform, submit bids electronically and monitor the status of their bids in real time.
The Public Procurement System has evolved from a manual system with no regulations to an orderly and legally regulated procurement system. Originally prescribed in supplies manual of 1978 and supplemented by circulars that were issued from time to time by the then Ministry of Finance.
Reforms to procurement Systems led to enactment of Public Procurement & Disposal Act (PPDA) 2005 to promote economy, efficiency, integrity, competition, transparency, Public Confidence and strengthen oversight and control in the System.
Following promulgation of the COK, 2010 the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (PPADA), 2015 was enacted to operationalize Article 227 of the constitution. The attendant Public procurement & Asset Disposal Regulations, 2020 (PPADR, 200) were gazetted to operationalize the ACT
Section 7(c) of PPADA, 2015 has mandated the National Treasury to Design and prescribe an efficient procurement Management system for National and County Governments to ensure transparent Procurement and Asset Disposal as contemplated by the article 227 of the Constitution. In pursuit of this Mandate the National Treasury has developed the EGP for use by MDA’s, and County governments.
The Authority’s Manager, Supply Chain Mr. John Musyoka presented to the Board of Directors and Management the implementation of the Electronic Government Procurement (E-GP) during the board induction held in November 2025. The Board thanked the management for ensuring compliance by implementing the system on time noting that this will enhance effectiveness and efficiency of the procurement process
John Musyoka Manager; Supply Chain [...]
Read more...
November 18, 2025The Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation Mr. Julius Korir CBS, graced the Authority’s board induction on 18th November, 2025.
The PS challenged the Authority to focus on solutions that will make Kenya water secure urging the Board to strengthen the institution’s systems and support the Government’s development agenda.
“I call on the Board to fully support H.E. the President’s vision of developing mega dams through the National Infrastructure Fund an ambitious agenda aimed at enhancing water security for domestic consumption, boosting irrigation to improve food production, and expanding hydropower generation to drive national development.” PS Korir.
Mr. Korir quoted Jim Collins on “Good to Great” research that emphasizes transition of institutions from good to great through Level five leadership, getting the right people before strategy, confronting hard facts and developing a Hedgehog mentality.
The PS added that with renewed leadership and strengthened collaboration, NWHSA has a great potential to drive impactful and sustainable water infrastructure for multi-purpose use.
Authority’s Chairperson Dr. Jane Mwikali while welcoming the PS reiterated the oversight role of the Board which is mandated to give strategic direction, and ensure compliance. She noted that the water sector has undergone and continues to undergo various reforms that require the Authority to be agile in its operations and align with new trends, innovation and technology. Sentiments echoed by the Board of Directors and the Ag. Chief Executive Officer.
The objective of the induction is to enable members to understand the Authority’s Vision, Mission, Mandate, Values, and Strategic Objectives and overall operations. Other important information includes the financial position, HR structure, and the status of various projects.
This knowledge will equip the Board of Directors with necessary knowledge that will be instrumental in decision making as they discharge their oversight role. It will also help to foster positive relationship and cohesiveness between the board of directors
The PS was accompanied by the Water Secretary Eng. SAO Alima
PS, Board, Management and facilitators [...]
Read more...
November 14, 2025The Authority has achieved a “Very Good” rating in the FY 2024/2025 Performance Contract Evaluation, marking a notable improvement from the “Good” score attained in FY 2023/2024.
This milestone reflects the Authority’s continued commitment to service delivery, accountability, and performance excellence in water harvesting and storage development across the country.
At the close of the exercise, the Authority’s Chairperson Dr. Jane Mwikali received the evaluated Performance Contract (PC) results from the Public Service Performance Management and Monitoring Unit, recognizing the improvement. Saying the performance was impressive and urged all teams to adhere to the tenets of service delivery, accountability and performance excellence.
“The dynamic results are a pointer to the steadfastness of the Board, commitment of the management and hardworking spirit by the staff. The spirit of team work exhibited and result-oriented performance could be the long awaited and anticipated transformative journey for the Authority.” Dr. Mwikali.
This comes after the evaluation exercise that was undertaken on 12th November 2025 by the Public Service Performance Management Unit (PSPMU) from the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s office.
The exercise was overseen by the Chairperson of the Board Dr. Jane Mwikali, Director Benjamin Mwololo; Chairperson of the Strategy, Technical, Risk and Business Development Committee and the Ag. Chief Executive Officer Eng. Julius K. Mugun at the Authority’s headquarters in Nairobi.
Dr. Mwikali reiterated that under her leadership, she will ensure alignment with the Government of Kenya’s commitment to accountability and results-based management noting that performance is not only about the numbers but the impact of the projects developed and delivered.
“NWHSA shall continue to strengthen institutional performance for sustainable water resource management and national development. I expect an EXCELLENT score for the institution as the team has always been determined to deliver on-set performance targets.” Dr. Mwikali.
She said that PC is a measuring tool where we gauge the Authority’s performance through various set targets which must be achieved within set timelines to improve service delivery especially in the discharge of the Authority’s mandate.
The evaluators led by Mr. Macharia and Melody Nyongesa encouraged the management noting that all they were supposed to do was performance moderation based on scores given during self-evaluation, as this was an evidence-based exercise.
Also present were the institution’s PC Management Committee, Departmental and Divisional Heads to either provide evidences or guide the process.
NWHSA and the PSPMU team [...]
Read more...
October 27, 2025Jane Mwikali Makau (Dr.) has been appointed as the Chairperson of National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority for a period of three years in a Gazette Notice dated 24th October, 2025.
Dr. Mwikali brings on board entrepreneur, business skills and experience having served in various leadership capacities.
She is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with extensive experience in business development, project management, research, strategy and brand management.
She is also an ordained Reverend at the Kingdom Envoys Ministries/ Kingdom Embassy International Church.
Dr. Mwikali holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Sunderland. She also holds a Higher National Diploma in Business; Business & Technology Education (BTEC) from Education Excellence (EDEXCEL)
She is the immediate chairperson of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).
She has previously served as the Director of the Board of National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA) where she chaired the Strategy, Technical & Business Development Committee and a member of the Governance Risk and Audit Board Committee (GRAC), between February 2019 and February 2022.
We congratulate Dr. Mwikali on her appointment, welcome her to NWHSA’s family and wish her God’s speed on her new role!
Dr. Jane Mwikali Chairperson [...]
Read more...
October 16, 2025We join fellow Kenyans to mourn and honor the life of a great and visionary leader Former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, EGH.
He was a true advocate of our National Development Agenda, where he championed infrastructure development across all sectors including the water sector. He always emphasized equitable growth, for a more prosperous and sustainable future for all Kenyans.
The Board, Management and Staff of National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to his family, friends and all Kenyans.
Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga’s impact on Kenya’s development is particularly notable in the water sector. His launch of various water and infrastructure projects shows his dedication to increase access to clean water, a crucial element in enhancing the quality of life and economic opportunities for Kenyan communities.
Rest in eternal peace Baba, your legacy lives on for generations to come!
Condolence message to Hon. Raila Odinga [...]
Read more...
Completed Dam Projects
Our Featured Videos
Our Projects Map
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority
Happy Jamhuri Day, Kenya! 🇰🇪 Today We celebrate our nation’s freedom, unity, and remarkable progress. Let us continue working together to build a stronger, more
National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority added 3 new photos from December 11 at 4:26 AM.
Ag. CEO Eng. JULIUS MUGUN HOLDS PERFORMANCE REVIEW MEETING WITH STAFF I held a meeting with staff and management today to assess progress of our
Our Partners
