On Wednesday 13th July 2022, we signed an MoU with the Water Sector Trust Fund through the Strathmore University Water Innovation and Governance Hub. This MoU will look at enhancing the capacity of water sector governance and public institutions and inclusive service for all. It will focus on three main areas: research, consultancy, and capacity building. This partnership will further seek to address resource mobilization, financing and monitoring, and evaluation of water distribution projects in Kenya.
Speaking during the MoU signing event, Dr. George Njenga, Founding Dean, Strathmore University Business School welcomed the partnership and noted the need for harmonized systems of managing the current water sector governance bodies. He also emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the management and supply of water. “With the use of geospatial mapping and satellite data, it will be possible to map the flow of rainfall water to be able to develop viable water pans and dams in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL). The partnership will look to enrich the provision of water as well as provide alternative solutions to water scarcity in the country,” he noted.
Willis Ombai, CEO, Water Sector Trust Fund, welcomed the initiative, noting that the importance of water as a key resource cannot be overlooked. “According to statistics from the Ministry of Water, approximately 40 percent of Kenyans do not have access to clean and affordable water,“ Mr. Ombai further noted that this is critical and one of the Fund’s mandates is to enable water utilities and related organizations to enhance the distribution of water, reduce the challenges of access to clean water and reduce the water lost through distribution and conveyance.
He noted that the current rate of 45 per cent loss of water distributed through the different pipelines of water utility companies is too high. That percentage alone is enough to supply Nairobi residents with water for at least six months.
Dr. Irene Ngunjiri, the Acting Director of the Water Governance and Innovation Hub also noted the importance of the partnership.
The Hub is looking to develop corporate governance, integrity, and women in water leadership capacities for the water utility companies as well as engage in research to develop the proper structures and governance for water sector organizations.
The Kenya Water Trust Fund is a State Corporation constituted in 2004 under the Ministry of Water. The Fund’s mandate is primarily to provide conditional and unconditional grants to the counties. It also works to assist in financing the development of and management of water and sanitation services in the marginalized and underserved areas.
Article by Richard Wanjohi
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