Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has underscored the need for collective efforts to find viable solutions amidst escalating challenges stemming climate change. He noted that deforestation, pollution and encroachment of water catchment areas are the main activities that negate efforts to combat effects of climate change.
The Prime CS said that water and sanitation are at the core of sustainable development, adding that the range of services they provide underpin economic growth and environmental sustainability.
“However, in recent decades, deforestation, pollution, and climate change have led to severe water stress not only in Kenya but across the world. Kenya is a water stressed country; a considerable size of the population still lack access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation” he added.
While stating that Kenya faces water scarcity and disruptions to water and sanitation services due to droughts and floods, the Prime CS commended WASCA’s tree planting initiative, which unites all water agencies and companies in Kenya in an effort to plant one million trees within the next five years.
He appreciated the pivotal role that forests and trees play in regulating temperatures, conserving biodiversity and aiding climate change mitigation, emphasizing the government’s commitment in managing water resources across the country.
Hon. Mudavadi urged counties to ensure water agencies and companies were run professionally without corruption even as the government remains committed in transforming the way it manages its water resources.
The CS said this when officially opening the 12th edition of Water Companies Sports Association (WASCA) games at William ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok County themed “Combating Climate Change Crisis through Sports.”
On her part, the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Hon. Alice Wahome said the climate change phenomenon and its effects especially the emergence of severe cycles of droughts, floods and desertification, are increasingly impacting and critically reducing the country’s renewable freshwater resources.
“Kenya is listed as one of the water scarce countries, and to address this situation, the Government is implementing programmes such as construction of dams aimed at increasing access to water and sanitation to all as enshrined in the Constitution, and also as part of the mandate of the Ministry,” said Wahome.
She added that her ministry is alert to the challenges of diminishing water resources and an ever-growing national population that increases the demand for water.
The CS also noted that the Water Act, 2002 brought about separation of policy making, water services, water resources management, and regulation functions.
“This has led to decentralization of functions, clear institutional framework, increased investment and greater stakeholder participation. The Water Act, 2016 has enhanced water sector reforms through creation of new sector institutions for better service delivery,” she added.
Hon. Wahome said the government will continue to implement policy, governance and legal interventions to increase water storage and improve sanitation in the country.
Hon. Ntutu said the water agencies and companies play a critical role in mitigating the climate change and impact directly in water availability and quality.
“As guardian of water sources and distributing of system, we must promote sustainable water management, invest in green infrastructure, incorporate climate concern and support the local communities collectively to mitigate these global issues,” he said.
As an institution, National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority is proud to have been part of the just concluded WASCA games where our staff participated in a number of disciplines such as darts, squash, pool, draught, chess and scrabble.
Through these games, we were able to foster national cohesion and integration, our officers were able to benchmark and learn from others on best practices to enhance service delivery in the water sector.
During the function, the Prime CS was accompanied by Water Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, the host Governor Patrick Ntutu and many dignitaries from across the water sector in the country.
By Wilfred Munyiri
Principal Corporate Communication Officer,
7th September, 2023
