Govt confirms plan to merge 2 water agencies, invites public to share views
The government has proposed plans to merge the National Irrigation Authority and the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority. The proposed merger is part of the government’s efforts to restructure state corporations to improve the management of public resources. Before concluding the merger, Parliament has invited Kenyans, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to submit […]
The Kenyan government is planning to consolidate two water management agencies - the National Irrigation Authority and the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority - into one entity. This proposed merger forms part of broader government efforts to streamline the management of public resources. Ahead of finalizing the merger, Parliament has opened a public consultation process, inviting Kenyans, civil society groups and other stakeholders to submit feedback on the Water (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The reforms announced by Parliament are expected to bring operational and financial efficiency, encourage efficient use of public funds and broaden water service delivery nationwide. The bill also seeks to unify functions related to irrigation, water collection and storage, while scrapping existing regulations governing the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority. The aim is to eliminate redundancies in authority mandates and enhance the provision of water-related services.
Parliament has tasked the Departmental Committee to circulate among the public and relevant organizations the Bill for thorough scrutiny. Citizens are urged to submit their thoughts via written memoranda. This public engagement process allows Kenyans the chance to voice concerns, offer recommendations and suggest amendments prior to Parliament's deliberation on the proposed legislation.
According to Parliament, such contributions are vital for achieving efficient water management, prudent use of public resources and enhanced service delivery in the country.
The proposed merger comes amid Kenya's efforts to bolster water infrastructure, expand irrigation for food production and enhance its capacity to harvest and store water given the increasing demand for reliable water services. Stakeholders in the water, agriculture and development sectors are anticipated to analyze the proposed merger and its potential effects on service delivery, institutional efficiency and public resource management.
The public participation exercise provides a platform for Kenyans to shape the proposed reforms before the Bill proceeds through the legislative process.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
