Zachariah Mwangi Njeru

The primary objective of the Galana Kulalu Water reservoir is to enhance water availability during the peak water requirement period.

Today, I led an Assessment tour of the Galana Kulalu Water reservoir ahead of it's completion later in the month.

ITARE TREE PLANTING CAMPAIGN

𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛 𝗢𝗙 𝗪𝗔𝗦𝗥𝗘𝗕’𝗦 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗡𝗢.𝟭𝟲 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟱𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗖 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡.

Today Morning, I had the pleasure to grace the Water Services Regulatory Authority Board (WASREB) launch of the 16th edition of Impact Report for the period 2022/2023.

The publication of this report coincides with the launch of the Board’s 5th Strategic Plan as well as the publication of four regulatory tools.
These efforts by the regulator are commendable as they seek to enhance accountability of the sector through inculcation of efficiency and transparency.

The Impact Edition No. 16 highlights the performance of the water services sector for the period 2022/2023. The report indicates that in the period under review, coverage showed an improvement of three percentage points rising from 62% to 65% in the regulated areas. On the contrary, sewerage remained stagnant at 16%.

My Ministry will continue to work with development partners to close the financing gap. The National Water and Sanitation Investment and Financing Plan (NAWASIP) is expected to catalyse interventions to the Sector.

Equally, I laud the World Bank for its commitment to support implementation of interventions in the rural areas through K-WASH Program.

Guests Present included Laikipia Governor H.E Joshua Irungu, Water Secretary Eng. SAO Alima, CEO WASREB Dr. Julius Itunga, Chairman WASREB Job Chirchir, CEO Water Fund Willia Ombai, CEO WASPA Anthony Ambungo, Vice Chairman WASPA Eng. Moses Kinya among other senior Ministry officials.

𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗔𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗪𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗜𝗦𝗘.

Today, while accompanied by Water and Sanitation PS Hon. Julius Korir we made an inspection tour to Thwake Multipurpose Dam where we witnessed the final filling and closure of the Embankment Area.

Today's exercise marks a great MILESTONE for the facility being constructed at the confluence of Thwake and Athi Rivers at the borders of Makueni and Kitui counties.

THE FINAL FILLING of the Embankment now paves way for the settlement of the Dam and implementation of other DOWNSTREAM ACTIVITIES including water supply, hydropower development and irrigation. The Dam is expected to be completed by 10th December 2024 after construction works commenced on 27th March 2018.

I am happy to report that as a socio-economic enabler and a contributor to the Vision 2030 blue-print and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the program is already creating impact on many lives. Ongoing civil works for Phase 1 and related activities have created direct and indirect employment of more than 1,200 locals.

As part of delivering the BETA Plan, MOWSI remains committed to ensuring completion of key water, sanitation and Irrigation projects which have a direct impact on the people.

Earlier today, I attended a church service at Nakuru Athletic Club as we witnessed the consecration and enthronement of Ven. Anthony Mwaura Mambo as ACK Nakuru Diocese Bishop.

The service was presided by ACK Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit.

Access to safe water in adequate quantities at an affordable cost is not just a basic need but also a human right as enshrined in Article 43 (c) & (d) of our Constitution.

Today, accompanied by Water and Sanitation PS Hon. Julius Korir, the MOWSI team appeared before the Senate Departmental
Committee on Delegated Legislation to deliberate on the Draft Funding Criteria that has been developed by the Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF).

The Departmental Committee was led by their Chairman Hon. Sen. Mwenda Gataya MoFire. The Water Act under section 113-118 established the Water Sector Trust Fund; a financing institution with thematic
objective of Leaving No One Behind.

The Ministry is involving all stakeholders in the Funding Criteria formulation in order to come up with a Criteria that will inspire confidence in the sector.

The full implementation of the Funding Criteria will enhance water sector governance and further deepen participatory approaches for
integrated water resource management and conservation practices in the country.

The Baricho wellfield waterworks accounts for about 64% of the total bulk water supply for the coast region, the other sources being Mzima springs/pipeline, Tiwi boreholes and Marere Springs/pipeline.

Yesterday, while accompanied by PS Water and Sanitation Hon. Julius Korir, Water Secretary Eng. SAO Alima and the Board of Coast Water Works Development Authority, we visited the Baricho well field protection Works and the Second Baricho-Kakuyuni Pipeline project.

I'm happy to report that both projects are 100% complete having been implemented by CWWDA through the World Bank’s WSDP financing model and GOK funding.

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 (𝗣𝗜𝗙) 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧.

Yesterday, at Maji House, I held a consultative meeting with the Finnish Delegation led by H.E Pirkka Tapiola, Ambassador of Finland to Kenya, and Hon. Ville Tavio, Minister for foreign Trade and Development Finland.

Kenya and Finland have had fruitful and lasting bilateral cooperation over the years. Finland has especially been keen to support water and environmental programmes. The Finnish Aid to Western kenya between 1981 to 2003 included rural and community water supply in Western Kenya, through the famous and highly successful Kefinco Programme.

My Ministry now looks forward to continued cooperation through the Finnish Funded Public Sector Investment Facility (PIF), at a cost of Euro 23 million from the Government of Finland and Investec Bank.

This will happen through the Project, Implementation of Technology and Tools towards Enhanced Water Safety, Security, and climate change resilience in Kenya (WASASE), with the Water Sector Trust Fund as the Executing Agency. The Government of Kenya will further contribute Euro 4 million to the Project for the oversight role of WSTF, translating to 15% of total Project costs.

I assured the Finnish Delegation of a Magical Kenya experience during their visit and I look forward to the remaining activities for the week, including the Reception at the Ambassador’s Residence on Friday 14th June, and the Business Dinner tomorrow.

Ministry officials present during the meeting included Water and Sanitation PS Hon. Julius Korir, Water Secretary Eng. SAO Alima, CEO, WSTF Willis Ombai among other senior ministry officials.

This morning, I received a delegation of Leaders drawn from Meru County for a meeting at Maji House to deliberate on Water, Sanitation and Irrigation matters in the larger Meru region.

The delegation was led by Buuri MP Hon. Mugambi Rindikiiri. The meeting comes at a backdrop of a Consultative meeting convened by President William Ruto at State House earlier this week with Meru County MPs.

Today's meeting underscores the Ministry's resolve to provide critical Government services closer to the people. The thematic areas of discussion included:

1. Prioritizing Water, Sanitation and Irrigation projects within this financial year.

2. Reviving stalled projects to avoid loss of public funds

3. Packaging new projects for the undeserved population within the county

4. Equity in distribution of projects across the sub counties.

MOWSI remains committed to working closely with the leadership which represents the voice of the People in delivering the BETA Plan and MTP-IV 2023-2027.

MPs Present included Hon. Abdul Rahim Dawood (North Imenti), Hon. Dr. Shadrack Mwiti(South Imenti), Hon. John Mutunga (Tigania West), Hon. Daniel Kiili (Igembe Central), Hon. Dorothy Muthoni (Nominated MP), Hon. Julius Taitamu (Igembe North), Hon Moses Kirima (Central Imenti) & Hon. Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East).

Ministry officials Present included Water and Sanitation PS Hon. Julius Korir, Irrigation PS Hon. Ephantus Kimotho CPA, Water Secretary Eng. SAO Alima, NIA CEO Charles Muasya among other senior officials.