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
September 17, 2024Irrigation PS, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, held a Performance Contract negotiation meeting FY 2024/ 2025 with the Authority.
The Authority outlined various targets and goals especially on the execution of its core mandate through implementation of various projects. The PS reiterated the need to ensure targets and objectives set are smart, achievable and most importantly, serves the public in terms of provision of water and flood control.
Ag. CEO John Muhia said the Authority has aligned its strategic objectives to the aspirations and agenda of the current administration; the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda, where water is a key enabler of the BETA. In particular, water for Irrigation will enhance food security.
The Board intends to put all efforts towards contributing effectively and efficiently to the achievement of the National Development Agenda as espoused in the Kenya Vision 2030 MTP IV, keeping in mind the specific priorities of the National Water Authority.
Bearing in mind the imperative of inclusivity, we will implement the following Strategic Intents during the Financial Year:
Construct dams for water harvesting and storage for Irrigation and other multi-purpose uses
Carry out Survey, Design and ESIA for flood control projects
Undertake flood control mapping on various sites across the country
Some of the projects to be implemented during this Financial Year 2024-2025 are:
Completion of Siyoi- Muruny’ dam in West Pokot County.
Umaa Dam Water Supply – construction ongoing.
Complete the Construction of the 235m diversion culvert and draw-off
Construct and complete a 23m intake tower
Construct and complete the Coffer Dam
Commence and complete grouting works
Commence the construction of the embarkment
Commence and complete construction of spillway works
Put in place necessary requirements and processes for the implementation of Bosto Dam project in Bomet County.
Flood control
The Authority undertakes on behalf of the National Government, mitigation measures against the effects of flooding to protect lives and property. Consequently, the Authority will undertake flood control activities in the following areas:
Complete the construction of River Kawalase flood control project in Turkana County
Complete the construction of River Nzoia (Budalangi) flood control project in Busia County
Complete the construction of River Lumshi flood control project in Lamu County
Complete the construction of Mukaba Katipanga flood control project in Murang’a County
Complete the construction of River Kuja flood control project in Migori County
Complete the construction of River Sabwani flood control project in Trans-Nzoia County
Complete the construction of River Yala (Lake Kanyaboli) flood control project in Busia/Siaya Counties
Complete the construction of River Nyakitari Simbi flood control project in Kericho County
Present in the meeting were Irrigation Secretary Eng. Vincent Kabuti, Secretary Administration Kipkemei Yatich, Director Land Reclamation Ian Thande, Chief Finance Officer Daniel Kihara, Chief Economist Peter Kinuthia, Ag. Deputy Director Water Management; Daniel Odero among other officials.
Management team from the Authority and the Performance Contract Committee were also present. [...]
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September 16, 2024West Pokot County is set for a major water supply transformation, as the eight billion-shilling Siyoi-Muruny Dam is set to be complete in March, 2025. The project being implemented by National Water is currently 72% complete and will serve a population of 350,000 people marking a significant boost for the region.
With a storage capacity of 8.9 million cubic meters (approximately 9 billion liters) it is expected to provide 38,880 cubic meters (38.9 million liters) of water daily, addressing water scarcity in Kapenguria, Makutano, and neighboring areas.
Irrigation PS, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, said the government has budgeted 900 million shillings for the project in this Financial Year and with additional 900 million from the supplementary budget, the dam will be complete. The project was supposed to be complete in 2018 but delayed due to funding challenges.
The County Government of West Pokot through Water CEC William Petot requested the State Department for Irrigation to consider using water from the dam to irrigate 3,500 acres in Chepareria, a request the PS said they will do feasibility studies to find ways of implementing the request.
National Water Chairman CPA Symon Kimaru said the Authority is looking forward to the completion of this project to pave way for start and completion of many other projects in the pipeline. “Funding challenges is what has derailed the project. However, we appreciate the support we are getting from concerned stakeholders led by our parent Ministry to ensure this project is complete next year.” CPA Kimaru.
Ag. CEO John Muhia said the water treatment plant in Kabichbich will process 38,880 cubic meters of water per day after which the water is taken through a bulk pipeline stretching over 127,226 meters and stored in tanks with a total capacity of 17,865 cubic meters. This infrastructure will support water distribution to both households and irrigation schemes in areas of Kapenguria, Makutano, Chepareria, Siyoi, Muruny, and Kaibos hence, enhancing social-economic growth in the region.
Joining PS Kimotho during the inspection was a team of senior officials from the State Department for Irrigation; Irrigation Secretary Eng. Vincent Kabuti, Secretary of Administration Kipkemei Yatich, Director of Land Reclamation Ian Thande, and Chief Finance Officer Daniel Kihara.
Pokot South Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Charles Akwanalo led the local administration team.
Also present from the Authority was Director Kipseng’eret Koros who is the Chairman of the Strategy and Business Development Board Committee, Ag. General Manager, Infrastructure Development Eng. Julius Mugun, Resident Eng. Tabitha Kimani Infrastructure Planning and Design Manager Duncan Ondulo, Manager, Corporate Communication; Joyce Rono among other staff.
The project lies within the Rift Valley Drainage Basin, where it shall impound water from River Muruny’ that emanates from Cherangany’ Hills, and flows in a North Eastern direction before finally draining into Lake Turkana.
The Dam’s components include the water treatment plant, pipeline distribution and water storage tanks. From the treatment plant in Kabichbich town, the Muruny’ (Siyoi) Dam will collect and store water ensuring consistent clean water supply to the towns of Makutano, Kapenguria, Chepareria, Siyoi, Muruny’ and Kaibos.
Supported by storage tanks with a holding capacity of 17,865 cubic meters and a 127,226-meter bulk water pipeline, the project will be a game changer in the region that will see growth in the social-economic activities and improved livelihoods through access to clean and safe water. [...]
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September 13, 2024The National Government through National Water has put in place flood control systems across the country to mitigate against effects of floods. The Authority plans to enhance and increase these systems so as to cope with increasing floods caused by effects of climate change.
Irrigation PS, CPA Ephantus Kimotho CBS, went on an inspection tour of Sabwani flood control in Kitale, Trans-Nzoia County. Sabwani flood control project has a cumulative of 4 kilometers of dykes that protect residents of Marinda, Namanjalala, Amuka and Bidii areas of Kitale.
The PS said the dykes along Sabwani River have protected over 1000 farms. With projected yield of 30 bags of maize produce per acre, this will translate to earnings of about 120 million shillings. He added that the Authority has spent 60 million shillings on the project and another 30 million shillings has been set aside for additional kilometers of dykes along the river. Reclamation of more land for agricultural activities will enhance agricultural activities and enhance food security.
The local community thanked National Water for the flood intervention mechanisms and requested for more dykes especially along the upstream side and extend more kilometers downstream of the river.
The PS pledged that the Department will ensure additional 2 kilometers of dykes are added noting that installation of flood control systems is a continuous process where works are done in phases while giving priority to the most affected areas.
Authority’s Ag. CEO, John Muhia said the works done during the last Financial Year entailed construction of 500-meter earth dyke along the southern side of River Sabwani, construction of 185-meter auxiliary dyke along River Chemususu, de-silting of the delta where River Chemususu joins River Sabwani, dyke filling of 300 mm height onto the existing 1.1km long dyke, cutting of drainage channels on both sides of the dyke to relieve flow and construction of two cattle ramps. [...]
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September 12, 2024As the implementing agency of Bosto Dam, National Water Authority has put in place requisite measures in preparation to kick start the project. The Authority identified the need for water in Bomet and neighboring Kericho County and took necessary steps for the implementation of the dam which is at its final stages. The 20-billion-shilling project is set to be complete in three years.
Located along Kipsonoi river within the Southwest of Mau forest reserve, the dam is set to provide water to over 75% of Bomet County and some locations within the County of Kericho. With a reservoir capacity of 18.8 million cubic meters (18.8 billion liters), it will serve a population of 709,000 people within an estimated coverage area of 1052km². Further, the dam project will provide water for power generation and irrigation of approximately 17,500 acres.
Bomet County has an improved water access of 41% of the population compared to national coverage of 73%. Most of the water supply systems in the county are small, old and unsustainable hence the need to increase this coverage.
The primary objective of the project is to provide sufficient water supply to meet the medium and long-term demand for water in Bomet. It is targeted to serve Bomet town and Bomet constituencies of Sotik, Konoin, Bomet Central, Chepalungu, Bomet East and parts of Bureti sub-county in Kericho County.
Bosto Dam will be instrumental in contributing to the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda. Apart from irrigation which is key in agriculture, the water shall be an enabler to the other pillars of BETA such as Agriculture; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Economy; Housing and Settlement; Healthcare; Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy.
The proposed project was designed and strategically positioned to supply water through a pure gravity system which is economical in construction, sustainable in operation and maintenance.
Further, pre-feasibility study recently undertaken by the Authority identified Bomet East and Chepalungu sub-counties as the driest parts of Bomet County with potential for irrigation with water from Bosto dam. Additionally, County Government of Bomet has designated a large portion of the targeted area as food basket and grain promotion zone according to Bomet County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) of 2023-2027.
The target crops for irrigation include sorghum, sweet potatoes, beans, maize, vegetables, mangoes, watermelons and bananas. Other potential crops that can perform well in the areas include onions, avocados and fodder for dairy farming. Provision of water for irrigation will increase production by significant margins and improve livelihoods through social-economic development. [...]
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September 9, 2024The Authority signed a thirteen-million-shilling contract with Bomet County Assembly for the supply, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of 80,000 litre elevated steel water storage tank on fifteen-meter-high steel tower at the County Assembly of Bomet.
As the key agency mandated to undertake on behalf of the national government, the development of national public water works for water resources storage and flood control, the Authority is leveraging its expertise and experience in the development of water infrastructure to support the county governments on the same. The authority has drilled 14 boreholes in Bomet County in the past and intends to do more boreholes and other water infrastructure.
Bomet Speaker Cosmas Korir noted that the county of Bomet has enough water sources that need to be tapped and supplied to various amenities. He said the new county assembly complex is ready for launch and use hence water will be an essential requirement. Mr. Korir said the assembly has confidence in National Water on the delivery of quality work and completion of the project on time. Further, government to government procurement is shorter and cost effective.
John Muhia, the Authority’s Ag. Chief Executive Officer said the Authority is delighted to engage with the Assembly in the implementation of water projects. He assured the assembly of quality and timely work reiterating other successful partnerships with the county governments.
The contract was signed by Isaac Kitur, Clerk of the Assembly and Oscar Sang County Assembly General Counsel with John Muhia Ag. Chief Executive Officer and CS. Sharon Obonyo; Manager, Legal Services of National Water Authority. [...]
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August 15, 2024The Authority held a stakeholders’ meeting on its Strategic Plan on 9th August, 2024 where stakeholders gave their views which have been incorporated in the plan so as to make it inclusive and responsive to various changes and needs. During the event, the Principal Secretary State Department for Irrigation; CPA Ephantus Kimotho CBS, said the state aims to raise irrigated area from 711,993 acres to 1.2 million acres by 2027. This will improve food security, wealth creation and social-economic development. PS Kimotho noted that the Authority plays a critical role and water harvesting and storage will be instrumental in attaining set targets.
“Our plan is to increase the water storage from the 55 million cubic metres to 340 million cubic litres by 2027.” PS Kimotho. He was delighted to note that the plan is aligned to the MTP IV priorities, particularly in expanding irrigated land by 22,000 hectares and increasing water storage for multi-purpose use by 125 million cubic meters by the year 2027. This will go a long way not only in increasing access to safe and clean water but protecting and saving lives and property from the effects of floods and drought.
H.E. Andrew Mwadime, The Chairman of the Water, Forestry & Natural Resource Management Committee emphasized the need for more collaboration between the national and county governments so as to tackle the challenges of drought and floods across the country.
“We are currently involved in the review of legal and policy frameworks, including The National Water Policy and Water Transition Plans to ensure required legislation, regulations, systems and structures are in place through the intergovernmental initiatives and working groups.” Governor Mwadime.
Taita Taveta has in the past benefited from projects spearheaded by NWHSA. These include reinforcement of the walls of Njoro Kubwa canal in Taveta, which led to the reclamation of hundreds of acres of arable land, and which also acts as a flood control measure. He noted with satisfaction that NWHSA has positively impacting projects in other counties spread across the country.
He added that the Council of Governors through his Committee appreciates, and supports, efforts by NWHSA, to tackle the challenges of water harvesting, storage and flood control across the country so as to respond to the current challenges of climate change.
The Authority’s Chairman CPA Symon Kimaru, stated that the Authority developed the Plan in consideration of various global development priorities, regional and national development frameworks. These include; United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Africa Union Agenda 2063, East Africa Community Vision 2050, Constitution of Kenya 2010, Kenya Vision 2030, Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Fourth Medium Term Plan.
Looking at the five core pillars of BETA; Agriculture; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Economy; Housing and Settlement; Healthcare; Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy, it is without a doubt that water is a key enabler of these pillars.
To meet the water demand and realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Authority endeavors to develop water harvesting and storage infrastructure for multi-purpose use in our strategic objectives, with a target of 125 million cubic metres in the five-year period.
He appreciated the role of public participation as one of the key national values and principles of governance which gives stakeholders the opportunity to give their views and input on matters of national importance.
Ag. Chief Executive Officer John. Muhia highlighted the specific strategic objectives that will increase water storage for multi-purpose use and irrigation as follows:
1. Increase water storage capacity for irrigation in the country by 125 Mm³ by the year 2027.
2. Enhance sustainability of constructed water structures.
3. Enhance drought management.
4. Protection of lives and property.
5. Ensure provision of accurate and timely data.
6. Enhance partnerships.
Ag. CEO John K. Muhia
7. Enhance financial sustainability.
8. Enhance Institutional capacity for effective service delivery. [...]
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National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority
PARTNERSHIP WITH TAITA TAVETA COUNTY Eng. Julius Mugun; Ag. GM Infrastructure Development and Senior Managers held discussions with H.E. Andrew Mwadime, the Governor of Taita
National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority
The Authority’s Ag. CEO John K. Muhia today received a courtesy call from the Food and Agriculture (FAO ) Kenya team; Eugene Rurangwa, International Consultant
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