Govt moves to stem over Ksh11B yearly water losses
Kenya loses more than Ksh11 billion annually through water leakages, illegal connections, faulty metering and billing inefficiencies, raising pressure on water agencies to improve accountability and reduce wastage. Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa said the country loses approximately 242 million cubic metres of water annually out of 504 million cubic metres produced,…
Kenya loses over Ksh11 billion each year due to water leakages, illegal connections, faulty metering and billing inefficiencies. This amounts to 44-48% of the total water produced, which is 242 million cubic metres from 504 million cubic metres. Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa emphasized the need for water agencies to boost accountability and reduce wastage at a recent stakeholders' meeting.
To combat illegal connections and vandalism, a specialized Water Police Unit has been established, with LVSWWDA receiving 10 officers under the initiative. Mugaa urged agencies to set more ambitious goals in reducing non-revenue water, suggesting that Japan has achieved levels below 7%, compared to Kenya's 25%. LVSWWDA has received a bulk water service provision license, enabling it to take on additional responsibilities in bulk water supply.
The agency is mandated to maintain water quality, consistent supply, timely delivery, and proper infrastructure maintenance. Although Kericho Governor Erick Mutai pledged greater cooperation between county governments and water agencies, he acknowledged that millions of Kenyans still lack basic water and sanitation services.
Written by urgent.news from KBC's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
