Ngilu denies biased distribution of water

A Cabinet minister has defended herself against accusations she had unfairly distributed water.

Water and Irrigation minister Charity Ngilu had been accused of allocating up to 30 per cent of water to Ukambani, while ignoring others.

On Thursday, however, she told the Parliamentary Committee on Equal Opportunities that she had invested in areas that most needed urgent action.

Affirmative action

A report tabled in Parliament by former Water assistant minister Mwangi Kiunjuri indicated that of the 408 boreholes drilled by the government in the last three years, 126 were in Ukambani region. (Mr Kiunjuri is now Public Works assistant minister).

“I think we have been fair. We have tried to distribute the resources fairly and intend to continue applying affirmative action to ensure areas with the most need benefit,” Mrs Ngilu stated.

“Focus should not be on the number of boreholes drilled and in what region but on where water lacks most,” the minister said.

She noted that Western and Nyanza provinces do not need as many boreholes as arid and semi-arid regions.

The committee, chaired by nominated MP Mohammed Affey (ODM-K) intends to establish any discrimination in the drilling of the boreholes. The team’s probe covered the last three years.

Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim had referred the matter to the committee following a question by North Horr MP Chachu Ganya, last month.

MPs said the minister was devoting the digging of many boreholes to the lower Eastern region, while ignoring the principle of equity.

“We are here to establish whether there was any discrimination,” the chairman said on Thursday. But Mrs Ngilu said she was confident her ministry had done well.