In a strategic move to boost access to clean and safe water, the County Government and the State Department for Water and Sanitation are working together to improve planning and implementation of key water sector programs.
Water, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change (WENRCC) Chief Officer Dorothy Nyukuri affirmed the county’s commitment to collaborating on Water Sector Climate Financing and Nature-Based Solutions to address water challenges.
Speaking on Thursday during a capacity-building workshop for the County Climate Change Unit and Water Officers, facilitated by the State Department, Nyukuri emphasized the need for joint efforts to secure sustainable water access.
🏗️ Funding Challenges & the Role of FLLoCA
Nyukuri noted that achieving a significant impact in the county’s water sector requires an estimated Kes 6–8 billion, underscoring the financial gap that needs urgent attention.
However, she highlighted the Financing Locally Led Climate Actions (FLLoCA) program, backed by the Government of Kenya, the County Government, and international partners, as a key intervention in addressing water access issues.
🔹 Current Progress of FLLoCA in the County:
✔️ 20% of projects are already complete.
✔️ 50% of projects are in progress.
She further emphasized the importance of continued partnerships to ensure long-term solutions for water security.
🌍 Protecting Riparian Land for Conservation
A critical challenge in water conservation is the encroachment of riparian land, an issue that has persisted due to historical land allocations.
Nyukuri noted that many landowners possess title deeds issued during the late President Moi’s era, making eviction for conservation a complex task. She called for collaborative approaches to reclaim and protect these crucial areas, ensuring the sustainability of water resources.
🏛️ State Department’s Commitment to Water Security
Leading the State Department for Water and Sanitation team, Geologist Margaret Njoki spearheaded capacity-building sessions aimed at equipping county officials with knowledge on:
🔹 Water Sector Climate Financing strategies.
🔹 Nature-Based Solutions such as Natural & Constructed Wetlands to enhance water purification and conservation.
The training is part of broader efforts to improve water management, climate resilience, and sustainable development in the county.
📢 Moving Forward: A Call for More Partnerships
With water security being a pressing issue, both county and national government stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for increased investment and collaboration in climate financing.
✅ Prioritizing sustainable water projects.
✅ Strengthening legislation on riparian land protection.
✅ Expanding FLLoCA and similar funding programs.
As the county continues implementing water-related initiatives, the partnership between the County Government and the State Department for Water and Sanitation is expected to drive progress toward enhancing clean and safe water access for residents.
