In December of 1992, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that the 22 day of March of every year be declared as World Water Day and observed annually across the world. Subsequently, the Ministry of Water, Sanitation & Irrigation the lead government agency in organizing the 31st Edition of the World Water Day celebrations that took place in Lodokejek Primary School, Samburu West Sub-County in Samburu County. The theme of this year was “Accelerating Change.”
The Authority actively took part in the celebrations led by the Chairman of the Board Dr. Samuel Thiong’o and Ag. Chief Executive Officer, CS. Sharon Obonyo. They were accompanied by staff from the Authority. Two Officers were part of the National Organizing Committee and an additional member was in the Infrastructural Development Sub-Committee.
The Authority used the opportunity to create awareness on its mandate to stakeholders and answered their queries while noting their views. We also donated a 10,000 litre water storage tank that will be used by the students within the school. In line with the nation-wide tree planting campaign launched in December 2022 by the President, to raise Kenya’s tree cover to 30% by 2032. NWHSA planted five hundred tree seedlings that included fruit trees and cypress.
The Cabinet Secretary Hon. Alice Wahome said the Ministry will continue to play a critical role of ensuring progressive realization of universal access to water and sanitation services and food security through irrigation. Her speech was read by the Water PS, Dr. Ronoh.
The celebrations in Samburu County culminated in commissioning of Lodokejek Borehole where Water Resource Authority handed over the water permit for the commissioned borehole to the Northern Water Works Development Agency.
Samburu Governor, H.E. Lati Lelelit, thanked the Ministry of Water for choosing Samburu as the host county for the celebrations. He said the event brought benefits to the locals who shall now access clean water from Lodokejek borehole water supply.
Dr. Ronoh represented the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Hon. Alice Wahome in the event. Also in attendance were Mrs. Esther Odundo, Deputy Director, Land Reclamation State Department for Irrigation, County Commissioner Mr. Henry Wafula, Senior Officials from the County, CEOs and Chairpersons from Water Sector Institutions Development partners and the public.
