The Authority held a stakeholders’ meeting on its Strategic Plan on 9th August, 2024 where stakeholders gave their views which have been incorporated in the plan so as to make it inclusive and responsive to various changes and needs. During the event, the Principal Secretary State Department for Irrigation; CPA Ephantus Kimotho CBS, said the state aims to raise irrigated area from 711,993 acres to 1.2 million acres by 2027. This will improve food security, wealth creation and social-economic development. PS Kimotho noted that the Authority plays a critical role and water harvesting and storage will be instrumental in attaining set targets.
“Our plan is to increase the water storage from the 55 million cubic metres to 340 million cubic litres by 2027.” PS Kimotho. He was delighted to note that the plan is aligned to the MTP IV priorities, particularly in expanding irrigated land by 22,000 hectares and increasing water storage for multi-purpose use by 125 million cubic meters by the year 2027. This will go a long way not only in increasing access to safe and clean water but protecting and saving lives and property from the effects of floods and drought.
H.E. Andrew Mwadime, The Chairman of the Water, Forestry & Natural Resource Management Committee emphasized the need for more collaboration between the national and county governments so as to tackle the challenges of drought and floods across the country.
“We are currently involved in the review of legal and policy frameworks, including The National Water Policy and Water Transition Plans to ensure required legislation, regulations, systems and structures are in place through the intergovernmental initiatives and working groups.” Governor Mwadime.
Taita Taveta has in the past benefited from projects spearheaded by NWHSA. These include reinforcement of the walls of Njoro Kubwa canal in Taveta, which led to the reclamation of hundreds of acres of arable land, and which also acts as a flood control measure. He noted with satisfaction that NWHSA has positively impacting projects in other counties spread across the country.
He added that the Council of Governors through his Committee appreciates, and supports, efforts by NWHSA, to tackle the challenges of water harvesting, storage and flood control across the country so as to respond to the current challenges of climate change.
The Authority’s Chairman CPA Symon Kimaru, stated that the Authority developed the Plan in consideration of various global development priorities, regional and national development frameworks. These include; United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Africa Union Agenda 2063, East Africa Community Vision 2050, Constitution of Kenya 2010, Kenya Vision 2030, Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Fourth Medium Term Plan.
Looking at the five core pillars of BETA; Agriculture; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Economy; Housing and Settlement; Healthcare; Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy, it is without a doubt that water is a key enabler of these pillars.
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 in our strategic objectives, with a target of 125 million cubic metres in the five-year period.
He appreciated the role of public participation as one of the key national values and principles of governance which gives stakeholders the opportunity to give their views and input on matters of national importance.
Ag. Chief Executive Officer John. Muhia highlighted the specific strategic objectives that will increase water storage for multi-purpose use and irrigation as follows:
1. Increase water storage capacity for irrigation in the country by 125 Mm³ by the year 2027.
2. Enhance sustainability of constructed water structures.
3. Enhance drought management.
4. Protection of lives and property.
5. Ensure provision of accurate and timely data.
6. Enhance partnerships.
7. Enhance financial sustainability.
8. Enhance Institutional capacity for effective service delivery.