The Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir, paid a courtesy visit to the Authority on 17th September, 2025 where he met with the Board of Directors, Management and Staff. He appreciated the strategic role of the Authority in water harvesting, storage and flood control which is critical in enhancing the overall water storage for water and food security.
The PS said that the flood control function fosters dignity in that it safeguards communities against displacement, loss of lives and property hence communities are able to do their social-economic activities that foster their livelihoods and improve the overall social economic development. He lauded the move to have the Authority as a stand-alone agency due to its unique mandate. He therefore urged staff to come up with transformative ideas that will impact livelihoods.
“I understand the prevailing challenges especially those brought about by the climate change that affect us in the water sector more. We have experienced water catchment degradation, diminishing water resources among others hence the need to target and tap into available funding opportunities through new and innovative approaches.” PS Korir.
He therefore urged staff to do their best in all their operations and design climate smart projects that will attract funding, develop and implement concepts with adaptation, mitigation and resilience in mind.
“We’re committed to harvesting and storing 125 billion liters of water over the next three years. This ambitious plan will not only enhance water availability but also support irrigation development, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic growth” PS Korir
The PS was pleased by the Authority’s progress in project implementation and compliance with the government’s directives especially the Electronic Government Procurement system noting that this will enhance accountability and transparency. He was impressed by the Authority’s portfolio of assets and its well-trained technical staff, which are crucial in implementing key water infrastructure projects. In conclusion, I urge everyone to remain focused and committed to our mission.
“Together, we can make a significant impact in enhancing water harvesting, storage and flood control hence enhance food security and support the implementation of the government’s agenda of BETA.” PS Korir
Water Secretary Eng. SAO Alima while welcoming the PS noted that the Authority is the pioneer State Corporation in the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation that was established in 1988 and over time, it has undergone various transformations and transitions as per the Water Acts and Executive orders.
Eng. Alima lauded the Authority for successful implementation of large dams across the country which have played an instrumental role in enhancing water harvesting, storage and flood control. He cited Chemususu, Kiserian, Maruba, Kirandich, Umaa, Siyoi-Muruny and Soin-Koru dams noting that there is need to complete the ongoing projects to pave way for construction of new ones. He urged staff to remain focused on the mandate of constructing large dams and flood control systems across the country as per the water regulations.
Director Rodgers Chepkwony’ while speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors echoed the sentiments of the Water Secretary noting that the Board will continue its oversight role to ensure management adheres to quality standards while implementing projects and comply with relevant legal frameworks.
“Our role is to set the strategic direction which is clearly stated in our Strategic Plan. We are committed to ensure management adheres to all legal and ethical compliance even as we discharge our mandate. We have ensured that our vision is aligned with our mission and values which support the overall vision, mission, values and strategic goals of the Ministry.” Director Chepkwony’
Ag. Chief Executive Officer Eng. Julius Mugun thanked the PS and the Water Secretary for their support noting that it is through team work and collaboration that the Authority will discharge its mandate effectively. He briefed the PS on the projects that the Authority is implementing where it targets to increase water storage by 400 Mm3 by the year 2027. He also discussed the progress of flood control projects where the Authority has tamed floods along River Nzoia in Budalangi; Musoma area.
“We are happy to report that we have already onboarded our procurement plan on the Electronic Government Procurement System, (EGP) geared towards Accountability, Transparency and improved service delivery. Eng. Mugun.
