State chided for slow reforms in the water sector

By Standard Reporter

The Government should speed up reforms in the water sector to enhance supply in the country and improve the provision of sanitation services to avoid water-related conflicts in future, the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries has said.

The Institute further notes that proper and efficient water and sanitation infrastructure in the country is among the ways to ensure achievement of the country’s Vision 2030, and the millennium development goals (MDGs).

"It is important to address the governance framework in the water sector, so as to ensure that current development projects being implemented are in tandem with the expectations of Vision 2030, and that governance structures in place promote harmony and efficiency," said Joe Mbuthia, the ICPSK chairman, at the Institute’s bi-annual luncheon in Nairobi.

"It is important for the water sector to examine the adequacy of governance structures and the role played by the various stakeholders."

Offer support

He added that the Institute was willing to offer government support in addressing governance challenges that might crop up in the implementation of reforms in the sector.

"Reforms in the sector will ensure that it operates without major conflicts that have been witnessed recently in a number of sector institutions," he said.

Mbuthia also announced that ICPSK would soon unveil an annual award for corporate governance that would reward firms that uphold good corporate and institutional governance.

"The principles of good corporate governance have now evolved from being academic practices to practical application in many entities both in the public and private sectors," he said.