THE SPACE OF WATER ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE COUNTIES: CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Kenya's water sector stands at a critical stage. Despite the promise of devolution and robust legal frameworks, accountability remains a great concern. A recent Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting in Diani brought together stakeholders nationwide to address these challenges head-on. The discussions revealed a complex web of issues plaguing the sector. At the heart of the matter lies a troubling lack of transparency. Data on water quality, availability, and management is often unreliable or inaccessible, leaving citizens in the dark about the very resources they depend on daily. This opacity extends to financial matters, with many communities unaware of how water tariffs are set or how funds are utilised.
Political interference casts a long shadow over the sector. Changes in political leadership, particularly during election periods, disrupt long-term planning and weaken the already established accountability structures. This instability is compounded by capacity constraints at the county level, where many officials lack the technical expertise to effectively manage water resources and oversee complex projects. Perhaps most concerning is the disconnect between policymakers and the communities they serve. Public participation, though mandated by the Constitution, often falls short in practice. Many Kenyans, especially in rural areas, are often excluded from decision-making processes that directly impact their access to water and sanitation.
Despite these challenges, there is hope. The TWG highlighted several promising recommendations. First, a unified framework for data collection and reporting could dramatically improve transparency, allowing for more informed decision-making at all levels. Strengthening public participation mechanisms and improving civic education could empower communities to hold service providers accountable. Second, professionalising community water management emerged as another key recommendation. By providing training and support to local water committees, they can take greater ownership of their resources and ensure more efficient and accountable service delivery. Third, the TWG also emphasised the need for collaboration across all sectors. Government agencies, civil society organisations, and private entities must work together to create a more unified approach to water governance. This includes addressing gender disparities and creating platforms for youth involvement in the sector.
Consequently, as Kenya grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and rapid urbanisation, the need for accountable, efficient water management has never been greater. The insights from this TWG meeting offer a roadmap for progress. By embracing transparency, empowering communities, and fostering collaboration, Kenya can build a water sector that truly serves all its citizens. The path forward will not be easy, but the stakes are too high to ignore. Clean water is not just a resource; it's a fundamental human right. It's time for all stakeholders to come together and ensure that Kenya's water sector lives up to its promise of providing safe, sustainable access to water for all.
Statement of Acknowledgement
This blog is a product of the Accountability for Water Programme (AfW), as part of action research, a vital initiative funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. The project was implemented by the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR) and supported by the trusted expertise of Water Witness International (UK), KEWASNET, Shahidi wa Maji (SwM) and WWI-Ethiopia. We thank and acknowledge all the authors, reviewers and contributors.
