We joined fellow sector institutions and other stakeholders in the Water Sanitation and Investors Conference (WASIC) held between 6-8th March 2024 at Kenyatta International Convention Center, KICC.
The conference theme was “Accelerating Investments for Sustainable Access to Water and Sanitation for All,” came at the right time when the sector is working on legal frameworks to fund water projects through the Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).
It was officially opened by H.E The President, who was represented by Cabinet Secretary for Water Sanitation and Irrigation Mr. Zachariah Njeru, EGH. CS Njeru thanked the main organizers of the conference; Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF) for a successful event that brought together participants whose in-depth and rich discussions will be instrumental in the implementation of PPPs.
The CS thanked all sponsors of the event for their support noting that exhibitions and participation by both public and private entities was key to unlocking business potential. CS Njeru pointed out that the sector requires Ksh.652 billion to fund water projects and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and our own Vision 2030.
CS Njeru pointed out that the Government allocated close to Kshs. 80 billion for the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation In this Financial Year for the progressive realization of access to safe water and sanitation services and improvement of food security in the country.
The issue of funding for water projects dominated discussions at the conference with stakeholders calling for fast tracking of PPP frameworks and resource mobilization. Adoption of innovation and technology is essential in cutting costs and solving challenges facing the sector.
Kenya National Water and Sanitation Investment and Financing Plan (NAWASIP) aims at enhancing water and sanitation investment and financing plans as per the Water Act, 2016. It proposes a set of institutional, financial and other measures, which are aimed at addressing discrepancies in five identified sub-sectors (water resources, urban water supply and sanitation, rural water supply and sanitation, irrigation and watershed management and environmental aspects of water) in order to protect the interests of all stakeholders.
This will be implemented through construction of small dams, boreholes, water service lines extension and sanitation facilities in rural areas.
Key highlights included discussions on water harvesting and storage in Kenya and how to tap into existing opportunities while leveraging technology. The Authority’s Ag. Chief Executive Officer Eng. John Muhia echoed the clarion call by participants on prioritizing funding for water projects as water is an enabler to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BeTA). He added that by using these rain water harvesting techniques, we recharge the water bodies and increase their capacity hence mitigate against floods and soil erosion.
The conference was organized by Water Sector Trust Fund – WSTF in collaboration with the Ministry of Water, Sanitation & Irrigation, Council of Governors among other partners and sponsors. The Authority used the forum to interact with its stakeholders, respond to their queries and get feedback.
