Govt assures of water security following French partnership

Kenya is set to benefit from a partnership with the French government to ensure water security for its citizens, Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has said.

The CS said through the French government, the government has been able to secure more commitments in supporting the country to increase access of water to citizens.

“We are very pleased to come back home with good news for Kenyans that we will be having further support and investment in the Water Sector to ensure water security from our French partners. This will go a long way in enhancing water security in the Capital City of Nairobi and the satellite towns of Kiambu, Karuri, Ruiru and Ruaka,” Mr Wamalwa said in Mombasa on Friday.

He was part of the team that accompanied President Uhuru Kenyatta in his trip to France.

Mr Wamalwa who was the chief guest at the Coast Water Service Board Annual Stakeholders’ Forum, said the Mzima II project was also prioritized by the Government and that it will help ease the pressure of water in Mombasa and Taita.

He said the French government was also partnering with the Kenya in the construction of the Mwache Dam in the Coast region.

“Mwache Dam will actually be a game changer in the water fortunes of the Coast region as we will be able to achieve an increased supply of 180, 000 cubic metres of water daily once the project is complete,” the CS said.

He added that with the signing of the water purchase agreement with Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho in France, the government was in the process of completing processes of confirming a consultant on the ground to start the dam project.

“We have already completed the process of recruitment and once the World Bank gives a green light, we will get this consultant on the ground. As government, we have already set aside Sh300 million to start the resettlement process,” Mr Wamalwa said.

The CS called on all coast MPs to work together with the National and County Governments in ensuring that the project goes on smoothly.

He said the government has completed the designs and was ready to advertise expressions of interests for the construction of the Mzima II dam.

He announced that the Government had received Sh150 million which will be released to Kwale and Taita Taveta Counties ‘to start the projects immediately’.

As a ministry we are happy to let you know that the national government is here to complement the County governments’ work for the benefit of Kenyans living in various regions,” Mr Wamalwa said.