Kenya: Govt Rolls out Ambitious Nairobi Water Supply Master Plan
By George Okore
NAIROBI--The Kenyan government with financial support from World Bank and French government have rolled out ambitious Water Supply Master Plan to improve water and sanitation within its capital Nairobi and other surrounding (satellite) cities.
The 15-year long project is being undertaken by Athi Water Services Board – the State-owned firm in charge of water provision among Nairobi and adjacent populations. It will see massive investment and development of water resources to meet the country’s development challenges.
The development will cover 13 other satellite towns around Nairobi. These are Kikuyu, Ruiru, Juja, Mavoko and Ngong towns. Others are Tala, Kangundo, Ongata Rongai Gatundu, Githunguri, Karuri, Thika and Limuru. The project is being implemented by French firm Egisbceom International in partnership with a local firm Mangat and Patel Limited.
‘The French Government will provide necessarily technical support to compliment this project, expected to revolutionize water provision within Nairobi and its environs,’ said Olivier Delefosse Deputy Director at the Nairobi office of Agence Francaise De Development
Water and Irrigation Minister Charity Kaluki Ngilu says rapid population growth and increased economic activities have doubled the region’s water demands. Mrs. Ngilu says her ministry has embarked on massive physical infrastructure developments to keep abreast with water demands.
The Minister regretted low level of water development in Kenya but said more efforts are being
made to raise the figure. She said the country’s draft irrigation policy was before parliament for
debate while ongoing amendments to the Water Act would address the situation.
Addressing a national consultative forum to debate on the proposed project, stakeholders wanted the Kenyan government to take measures against high water loss, by implementing cost-effective and sustainable solutions. They also urged for consumer education to conserve ground water, most of which was going to waste. The project will draw water from Sasumua, Chania, Ndakaini, Ruiru and Kikuyu springs.
Last week at the Stockholm world water week, under the theme responding to global challenges, Kenya’s water and sewerage situation came under spotlight. A World Bank report launched at the forum says Kenyan loses a whooping Sh 27 billion annually due to poor sanitation. The report suggests that Kenya adopt preventive rather than curative approaches to her water and sanitation services.
The World Bank report says Kenyan urban centres have no adequate water and sanitation policies in place. It recommends sufficient attention to planning, research and stakeholders consultations as far as rolling out these plans.