National Water Authority unveils strategic plan to combat climate change and enhance water storage
National Water Authority unveils it’s 2023-2027 strategic plan
The National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA) has launched its strategic plan for the financial years 2023-2027, focusing on addressing climate change, improving water resource storage, and enhancing flood control.
Speaking during the launching of strategic plan Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eng. Eric Mugaa said that this initiative aimed at safeguarding livelihoods
Mugaa highlighted the urgent need to tackle the challenges posed by climate change, which include low infrastructure investment, inconsistent data on water resources, and growing pressures from human settlements. “These challenges offer us a chance to learn and collaborate effectively,” he stated, noting the country’s reliance on erratic rainfall and agriculture.
The strategic plan outlines a vision for significant infrastructure development, including large-scale projects like the ongoing Thauke Dam, designed to mitigate the impacts of drought and flooding.
CS Mugaa emphasized that this plan will help shape priorities for both the NWHSA and the Ministry of Water, providing a structured framework for decision-making and operational efficiency.
“The ministry has established robust services and strategies to ensure agencies can effectively fulfill their mandates,” he explained.
The plan aims to enhance water storage capacity to 125 million cubic meters by 2027, which is expected to improve access to safe drinking water and protect communities from the adverse effects of climate-related events.
Aligned with the government’s transformative agenda and Vision 2030, the strategic plan includes eight key objectives designed to increase irrigated land and promote sustainable water management practices.
Eng. Mugaa also stressed the importance of engaging all stakeholders in the implementation of the plan, ensuring a collaborative approach to water resource management.
In addressing water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions, Mugaa mentioned initiatives for water harvesting and the development of innovative solutions such as water sacks, which aim to provide consistent water access year-round. The plan targets a total investment of Ksh 60 billion over five years to achieve these goals.
“If we can effectively address these challenges, we can significantly mitigate the effects of climate change and enhance food security in Kenya,” Mugaa asserted, reiterating that water is a fundamental enabler of development.
CS urged the authority to prioritize the full implementation of the strategic plan. He called on all stakeholders to accelerate project initiation and ensure timely delivery, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving water resource management and infrastructure across the nation.
With this strategic initiative, the NWHSA aims to lay a strong foundation for sustainable water management in Kenya, promoting resilience against climate change and safeguarding thelivelihoods of millions.
