The Authority launched its Strategic Plan 2023-2027 on 23rd October 2024 in a colorful ceremony presided over the Water Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Mugaa.
The CS highlighted that the Plan acknowledges numerous challenges that the country is facing led by effects of climate change hence the plan is aligned to address these challenges. He urged the Authority to look into ground water exploration e.g. Lotikipi plains in Turkana north, Marsabit County acquifers eg Odda well fields expansion, harness the ground water in Wajir county and Garissa along the Lorian Swamp where all the Ewaso Ngiro North watershed pours into.
“If this Authority can venture well into these areas, I am sure many infrastructures like LAPPSET which has a combination of railways, roads, oil pipelines and many others can take off easily for water is a development enabler.” Eng. Mugaa.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for Irrigation CPA Ephantus Kimotho said the Authority’s Strategic Plan is critical in provision of water to irrigate 22,570 hectares of land hence will contribute immensely to food security.
The Chairman of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation Hon. Kangogo Bowen pointed out that the Authority is a strategic Agency of the Ministry of Water in water harvesting and storage with a big portfolio of assets, well trained technical staff and has implemented key water infrastructure across the country.
Authority’s Chairman CPA Symon Kimaru said the Plan was reviewed to align to the aspirations of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) where water is a key enabler of the pillars of BETA. “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.” CPA Kimaru.
Ag. Chief Executive Officer Eng. Julius Mugun highlighted the specific Strategic Objectives that will play a pivotal role in the implementation and realization of the Plan as follows.
- Increase water storage capacity for irrigation in the country by 125 million cubic meters by the year 2027 and enhance sustainability of constructed water structures through operations and maintenance.
- Protect and save lives and property from the effects of floods and drought through the construction and maintenance of 96km of dykes and 45km of river training structures, construction of 360 small pans / dams and drilling of 203 boreholes.
- Ensure provision of accurate and timely data for decision making.
- Enhance partnerships and financial sustainability.
- Enhance institutional capacity for effective service delivery.
