Water agency board strengthens governance through audit
The Board of the Tana Water Works Development Agency (TWWDA) has undergone a governance audit conducted by the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS) as part of efforts to strengthen oversight, accountability and institutional performance.
The exercise, led on the TWWDA side by Board Chairperson Theobald Mukundi, focused on assessing the effectiveness of the Agency’s governance structures and practices in the execution of its public mandate.
As an institution responsible for the development of public water and sanitation infrastructure, TWWDA relies on effective governance to guide decision-making, resource management and performance oversight. The Board serves as the Agency’s key policy and oversight organ, providing strategic direction and ensuring that institutional activities remain aligned with its mandate.
The governance audit examined several areas considered critical to effective public-sector management. These included Board effectiveness, ethical leadership, accountability, risk management and internal controls, transparency and disclosure, stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, sustainability and performance management.
The assessment also highlighted the importance of sound policy making in determining how public institutions plan their activities, manage resources and maintain accountability to citizens and other stakeholders.
For TWWDA, effective governance has a direct bearing on its ability to advance water and sanitation infrastructure development in the counties within its area of responsibility. The Agency serves Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, where investments in water infrastructure are important to improving access to reliable water and sanitation services.
Governance audits provide institutions with an opportunity to assess existing systems, identify areas that may require improvement and strengthen practices that support effective service delivery. They can also help boards and management maintain clear oversight responsibilities while promoting transparency and responsible decision-making.
The audit is therefore part of TWWDA’s broader efforts to enhance institutional governance and performance while ensuring that its policies and oversight mechanisms remain aligned with its statutory responsibilities.
Through continued attention to governance, accountability and performance management, the Agency seeks to create an institutional environment that supports effective implementation of its programmes and projects.
The exercise further underscores the role of strong governance in public institutions, where effective leadership and oversight are essential to ensuring that resources are managed responsibly and that organisational decisions remain focused on delivering services and infrastructure for the benefit of the public.
