Water sector leaders push for stronger utility performance
The Water and Sanitation Providers Association (WASPA) Executive Committee has held discussions with the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) Chief Executive Officer Leparan C. Tialal on measures to strengthen the sustainability, governance and performance of Water Service Providers (WSPs) across the country.
The engagement, led by WASPA Chairman Thomas Odongo, brought together sector leaders to examine some of the key challenges affecting water utilities and explore opportunities for stronger collaboration between the association and the sector regulator.
Among the issues discussed were financial sustainability, infrastructure development and handover, governance, performance management and the persistent challenge of non-revenue water (NRW). The meeting also highlighted the importance of timely access to sector information and stronger coordination between WASPA and WASREB.
The participants noted that effective collaboration between water utilities and the regulator is critical in addressing operational challenges and improving the quality and reliability of water and sanitation services. Structured consultations were identified as an important avenue for ensuring that the concerns of WSPs are addressed while regulatory requirements are effectively implemented.
Tialal called on WASPA to support efforts aimed at improving data compliance among water service providers. Accurate and timely data remains important in monitoring utility performance, supporting regulatory decisions and identifying areas that require intervention.
WASREB indicated its willingness to engage directly with individual utilities experiencing difficulties in meeting reporting requirements. Such targeted discussions are expected to help WSPs understand their obligations, address reporting gaps and improve compliance with regulatory standards.
The meeting also explored opportunities to strengthen the capacity of WSP Boards. Participants emphasized the need to equip board members with the knowledge and skills required to provide effective oversight, promote accountability and support sound decision-making within water utilities.
Another proposal emerging from the engagement was the organization of a symposium targeting young professionals in the water sector. The proposed forum would provide a platform for emerging professionals to exchange knowledge, share innovative ideas and explore creative approaches to solving challenges facing the sector.
The initiative is also expected to encourage greater participation of young professionals in shaping the future of Kenya’s water and sanitation industry through innovation, research and knowledge sharing.
The engagement comes as water service providers continue to navigate financial, operational and governance challenges while seeking to improve service delivery to communities. Strengthening cooperation between sector institutions is therefore expected to support better performance, improved accountability and more coordinated responses to emerging challenges.
The discussions between WASPA and WASREB underscore the importance of maintaining regular dialogue between regulators and water utilities. Continued consultation could help bridge information gaps, improve compliance and create a more coordinated approach to addressing issues affecting the sustainability and performance of WSPs.
