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Water is crucial enabler of Kenya’s Big 4 Agenda

Water is a crucial enable of the Big Four agenda rolled out by the National Government.

Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui said the four agendas, that include manufacturing, food security, universal healthcare and affordable housing cannot be achieved if there is no adequate supply of water.

In a speech read on his behalf by Nakuru Deputy Governor Dr. Erick Korir during the opening ceremony of the caucus for CECs of Water, Environment and Natural Resources in Naivasha, Governor Kinyanjui said most of the projects will be located in counties and challenged the devolved units to ensure they have sustainable supply of clean and safe water.

He also said the autonomy of regulators and institutions responsible for service delivery and policy implementation should be reinforced.

The Governor said there is need for review and adaptation of good governance structure, which should be upheld in all areas and institutions in the water sector.

“Board members should be selected in transparent processes to ensure their integrity, and they should disclose information on decision making and expenditure,” he said.

The caucus, that brought together CECs for Water, Environment and Natural Resources from all counties was officially opened by Water Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui.

Also present was Water and Sanitation CAS Winnie Guchu and Nakuru CEC for Water, Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Eng. Festus Ng’eno who is also the chairperson of the CECs caucus.

CS Chelugui said concerted effort and team work by all stakeholders is needed to achieve water supply for all.

“We need behavioral changes and take action, some painful but for the good of the nation. We require all players to work together,” he said.

He said water companies should be allowed to work independently without interference from county governments to ensure they thrive and provide services to wananchi.

He said projects to end water shortage in Nakuru include construction of Ksh43 billion Itare dam, building of Malewa Dam and water project in Kijabe that will deliver water to the proposed industrial park in Maai Mahiu at cost of Ksh60 billion.

The County Government on Nakuru has initiated projects to ensure adequate water supply. The County, in collaboration with partners will sink boreholes that will supply clean water to Naivasha where an affordable housing project will soon kick off.

The County also banks on the Itare Dam project to increase water supply in Nakuru town and neighbouring urban areas. There are also plans to dig at least 100 water pans in Subukia Sub-County to end water shortage in the area and boost farming activities.