𝐁lue Economy Committee Engages With 𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐏𝐀 On Water and Sanitation Reforms
The National Assembly’s Committee on Blue Economy, Water, and Irrigation engaged with the Water and Sanitation Providers Association (WASPA) on the Water (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and other Legislative Proposals.
Highlighting the insufficient focus on sanitation at the national level, Mr Anthony Ambugo, CEO of WASPA, highlighted the need for greater clarity in the legal framework outlining the responsibilities of different water agencies to prevent ambiguity. He raised the query of whether water services should be decentralized and underscored that the national government has not yet transferred the operational authority to the County Governments.
“The crisis of water is not a crisis of water but a crisis of governance. Governance is a challenge, we need a way forward,” stressed Mr Ambugo.
The Committee, led by Hon. David Bowen (Marakwet East), announced its earnest consideration of a proposition by WASPA (Water Services Providers Association) to amalgamate the Water Resources Authority (WRA) and the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB). This move aims to establish a singular, revitalized National Water Regulatory Body as part of a comprehensive reform to enhance the sanitation and water provision sector in the country.
He further pointed out that a considerable portion of the resources allocated to the Water Resources Authority has lacked accountability in terms of fulfilling important responsibilities such as water tower conservation, last mile connectivity and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives within the water catchment regions.
“We don’t need two regulators, we need to synergize these Water Agencies to have governance in the water sector. In all water projects, we also need the last mile connectivity, a CSR component, sanitation and conservation of water towers and catchment areas. As a Committee, we will support you to provide Kenyans with Water which is their right. I am happy that we are employing smart technology where we are even able to see where leaks are. This will help in reducing water losses,” said Hon. Bowen.
The Committee, via a proposed Water Bill currently awaiting public participation, asserts that the persistent issues surrounding Water Provision and Supply will become a thing of the past. The bill seeks to consolidate legislation aimed at addressing various challenges, including excessive non-revenue water losses, governance issues within water service providers, multiple taxation on water companies, the burden of substantial loans turning into debts for water service providers, and other related challenges.
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