Water sector leaders forge stronger partnerships
Water sector leaders have renewed calls for stronger collaboration and coordinated action to improve the sustainability and reliability of water and sanitation services across Kenya.
The call was made during a Chairman’s Dinner held in Eldoret, bringing together Managing Directors and senior representatives of Water Service Providers (WSPs), associate members and key stakeholders in the water sector. The event was organised by the Water and Sanitation Providers Association (WASPA) in partnership with the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).
The gathering marked the commencement of the WSPs CEOs’ bimonthly engagement, providing a platform for sector leaders to discuss emerging challenges, share experiences and identify areas for cooperation in improving water and sanitation service delivery.
WASREB Chief Executive Officer Leparan C. Tialal, who served as the Chief Guest, urged sector players to remain focused on five key priorities as they work towards stronger and more sustainable water and sanitation services. The priorities are intended to guide water service providers in addressing challenges affecting the sector while improving performance and service delivery to consumers.
The engagement also highlighted the importance of cooperation among institutions responsible for water resources management and water service provision. Acting Water Resources Authority (WRA) Chief Executive Officer CPA James Mburu called for enhanced collaboration within the sector, particularly in the management and protection of the country’s water resources.
Mburu noted that sustainable water services depend not only on effective distribution systems but also on responsible management of the resources that supply those systems. Closer coordination among regulators, water resources managers, water service providers, county governments and other stakeholders can help address challenges affecting water availability and service delivery.
The participation of Uasin Gishu County officials further demonstrated the importance of county-level involvement in strengthening the water sector. County Executive Committee Member for Water Anthony Sitienei and Chief Officer Elijah Koech reaffirmed the county government’s support for the sector and its commitment to improving water and sanitation services for residents.
The Eldoret engagement comes at a time when water service providers are facing the need to improve operational efficiency, financial sustainability, infrastructure management and access to reliable services. Regular engagements among WSP leaders provide an avenue for sharing practical solutions and strengthening coordination across the sector.
The bimonthly meetings are expected to continue providing a structured platform for dialogue between water service providers, regulators, county governments and other sector stakeholders. Through sustained engagement, the sector aims to strengthen partnerships, address common challenges and support more efficient and sustainable water and sanitation services.
The meeting underscored the shared responsibility of sector institutions in securing water resources and ensuring that communities benefit from reliable and sustainable water and sanitation services.
