By MTK Correspondent
The National Government now says it will cost about 1 trillion shillings in the next 6 years to ensure each and every household has water.
According to Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary Julius Korir, the government would be leveraging on partnerships, including private and public partnerships to raise the money that would also be contributed by the two levels of government – the National and County Governments.
Water is a vital, yet scarce commodity in most parts of the country.
In some parts of the country, lack of water near homesteads has contributed to women and children walking for more than 10 kilometres, sometimes, in search of the commodity.
This issue becoming a major point of concern at the Water and Sanitation Conference which took place at the KICC, Nairobi from Wednesday to Friday.
During the event, dozens of the sector stakeholders exhibited their prowess in various fields.
The National Government, County Governments and water industry players were brought togethe under the theme; “Accelerating Investments For Sustainable Access To Sanitation For All.”
During a consultative engagement, the Water and Sanitation PS said the government’s tabulation of what is needed to cover the whole country is about 1 trillion Kenya shillings.
This he said is by the year 2030
During the sessions, the National Government and the County Governments engaged development partners; one of which was dubbed “Briidging The Gap In Universal Access To Water And Sanitation Services In The Counties”.
“There are several sources we have identified and we are looking at financing options,” the PS noted.
He also emphasized on the need for investment from a multi sectoral approach, calling for public/private partnerships, a view the council of governors is keen on, adding that there is no and there shall be no free water.
Tharaka Nithi County was used as a classic example of how public – private partnerships in water provision is working and plays into ensuring water provision.
Ms Loise Mutua, the County Chief Officer, Water and Irrigation – Tharaka Nithi County disclosed that perennial water crisis in the area informed the partnership that is expected to ease the shortage and accessibility
In the partnership, the County government has partnered with eWater in a project that has seen the provider put up 54 water points in a pilot project in 3 wards where it is charging KSh5 maintenance fee for a 20 litre jerrycan of water.
The forum was told that the National Government is advocating for such partnerships.
The water and sanitation conference also sought to create a working framework that would bring partners and government to the table in efforts to find durable solutions to Kenya’s water problems.
