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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 the Constitution of Kenya. Today, Hon. Zachariah Njeru EGH, the Cabinet Secretary for Water and Irrigation, along with Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary Julius Korir and the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation (MOWSI) team, appeared before the Senate Departmental Committee on Delegated Legislation. The purpose of the meeting was to deliberate on the Draft Funding Criteria developed by the Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF).
The session, led by Committee Chairman Hon. Sen. Mwenda Gataya MoFire, focused on the provisions of the Water Act under sections 113-118, which established the Water Sector Trust Fund. This financing institution aims to fulfill the thematic objective of “Leaving No One Behind.”
The Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation is committed to involving all stakeholders in the formulation of the Funding Criteria. This collaborative approach is designed to develop a framework that inspires confidence across 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,” stated CS Njeru.
The new Funding Criteria aims to improve the governance of the water sector, ensuring that resources are managed effectively and equitably. By involving a broad range of stakeholders, the Ministry seeks to ensure that the criteria are comprehensive and meet the needs of all communities.
The Water Sector Trust Fund is dedicated to financing water projects that promote sustainable management and conservation of water resources. The criteria under discussion will determine how funds are allocated to various projects, ensuring that all regions, especially underserved areas, receive adequate support.
As the deliberations continue, the Ministry remains focused on its mission to provide safe, affordable, and sufficient water for all Kenyans. This initiative is a critical step toward achieving the broader goals of sustainable development and social equity in the water sector.
