Stakeholders meet to discuss key issues in the water sector

Deputy President William Ruto visiting on of the stands at KICC during the 3rd International WASPA Conference. (Photo, Courtesy)

Kenyans have been asked to avoid water wastage and prioritise environment conversation.

This was the clarion call during the 3rd International Water Conference organised by Water Services Providers in Kenya (WASPA).

The three-day conference which took place from April 8-10 was officially opened by Deputy President William Samoei Ruto. Various stakeholders in the water sector convened to discuss key issues grappling the sector.

Speaking during the conference, Deputy President William Ruto highlighted that effects of climate change continue to impact negatively on availability of water resources and called upon the stakeholders to take action.

“Water Services Regulatory Board charges a levy on all the water that is consumed in this country. That levy must be used to manage the entire ecosystem of water availability and provision. You will not have water in your pipes if our water catchment areas are not well taken care of” he said.

WASPA CEO, Antony Ambugo was keen to note that the country must address how safe and affordable water will be made available to the growing world cities from the declining water resources.

“The goal of this conference and expo 2019 is to enable all relevant stakeholders deliberate on prevailing challenges, and formulate strategies to fast-track the water sector towards speedy realization of Kenya Vision 2030 and SDG no 6 which is all about clean and affordable water for all,’’ Ambugo said.

The conference created a platform for wide range of actors locally and internationally to exchange knowledge on emerging leading practices.

On wastage of water resources, water experts indicated that Water utilities in Kenya continue to struggle with high Non-Revenue Water (NRW) which results in staggering losses in revenue.

Water Services and Regulatory Board defines levels of Non-Revenue Water of under 20 per cent as good, 20-25 as acceptable and over 25 per cent as not acceptable.

Very few water companies are within the acceptable levels of Non-Revenue Water in the country.

According to the regulator, Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company (NYEWASCO) is rated the best in management of Non-Revenue water.

Kenya is experiencing scarcity in the water supply. Research shows that the country’s per capita water availability of 647m3 is less than the global benchmark of 1000m3. Many rural populations in Kenya depend on unimproved water sources which include ponds, rivers, and wells.