Background
The National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority is established under Section 30 of the Water Act 2016. NWHSA’s main mandate is to undertake on behalf of the National Government, the development of national public water works for water resources storage and flood control.
The Authority transitioned from National Water Conservation & Pipeline Corporation (NWCPC), whose main mandate was to develop state schemes and spearhead dam construction for water supply, flood control and other multipurpose uses.
NWCPC was established under the state Corporation’s Act Chapter 446 of the laws of Kenya vide legal notice no. 270 of 24th June,1988 as an autonomous agency under the then Ministry of Water Development. The Corporation became operational in on 1st July, 1989.
The Mandate of the Corporation at the time of inception was water service delivery in strategic points which included the following water supply areas.
- Coast Region: Mombasa Island, Kisauni, Likoni, Voi, Mazeras, West Mainland, Taveta, Kilifi, Mtwapa, Kwale, Baricho and Malindi.
- Western Region: Kakamega, Bungoma, Shitoli, Kisii, Nyakach, Siaya and Maseno Kombewa.
- Central Region: Othaya, Kahuti, Kandara, Aguthi, Ndia and Mathira.
- Rift Valley Region: Nakuru, Molo, Kabarnet, Gilgil, Elburgon, Eldama Ravine, Kapsabet, Litein and Ngecherok.
- Nairobi Region: Masinga Kitui, Kajiado, Kiserian, Kiambu and Kijabe.
During the Water sector reforms of 2005 and as per the Water Act 2002, the mandate of the Corporation changed from water service delivery to that of development of state water schemes, including construction of dams, canals, dykes for flood control, water recharge facilities and drilling of boreholes.
Further, the Water Act 2016 changed the name of the National Water Conservation & Pipeline Corporation (NWCPC) to National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA).
The Authority’s mandate and functions as stipulated in Section 32 of the Water Act 2016 are several but the key ones are two-fold namely:
(i) Undertake on behalf of the National Government, the development of national public water works for water resources storage and flood control; and,
(ii) Maintain and manage national public water works Infrastructure for water resources storage.
In essence, the mandate of the Authority is to contribute to the national agenda of promoting access to water by Kenyans as provided for by the Constitution of Kenya 2010 as well as control of flooding in the country, leading to prevention and control of destruction to property and lives.
NWHSA undertakes its mandate and functions against the backdrop of effects of climate change which has led to severe floods and drought and increased population that has resulted to increased demand for water. It is on this premise that the Authority plays a strategic function in curbing effects of climate change through water harvesting, storage and flood control.
In summary, our mandate is best captured by our slogan; “Hifadhi Maji, Boresha Maisha” which basically means Water Storage for Prosperous life.