Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa says based on the National Water Master Plan and Sector Investment Plan prepared in 2014, the country needs about Sh1.5 trillion between 2016 and 2030 which amounts to Sh100 billion annually against the current budget allocation of about Sh40 billion/FILE
Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa says based on the National Water Master Plan and Sector Investment Plan prepared in 2014, the country needs about Sh1.5 trillion between 2016 and 2030 which amounts to Sh100 billion annually against the current budget allocation of about Sh40 billion.
The current water coverage in the country now stands at 56 percent while the sewerage coverage is 22 percent.
Under the Sustainable Development Goal No.6 adopted in the United Nations Assembly in September, 2015, it is projected that every country will have achieved universal access to water and sanitation to all by 2030.
“In order to address the deficit the government has decided to explore other financing options where the private sector will play a key role in the sector development. These financing options will include commercial financing and Public Private Partnerships (PPP). In future we plan to have some of the viable water service providers float bonds in the Nairobi Stock Exchange to raise funds for utility capital development,” Wamalwa said.
Wamalwa was speaking on Tuesday during the Third Water, Electricity and Power Expo that has attracted over 4,000 guests from over ten African countries.
He said his ministry is spearheading a review of the Water Act 2002 through Water Bill 2014 which is before the Senate.
The review aims to align the Water Act 2002 with the Constitution so that the roles of various institutions are well defined to eliminate the perceived overlaps especially between the national and county governments.
“We have also planned to implement water and sanitation for schools in order to make these essential services available to the public schools. Provision of adequate water and sanitation will reduce time taken to fetch water and eliminate water borne diseases in schools thus creating good learning environment for the learners,” he added.
The three day event will provide a platform to showcase latest technologies in the utilities industry, build awareness about products and services within the sectors, knowledge sharing as well as Business to Business opportunities for Kenyan entrepreneurs to make more valuable business contacts.
