Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Murithi Mugaa, held a high-level meeting yesterday with his Egyptian counterpart, Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, at Maji House, the headquarters of the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation in Nairobi.
The discussions centered on advancing collaborative water projects, addressing policy challenges, and exploring the benefits of proposed dam projects in Kenya. The meeting was attended by technical officers and departmental heads from both nations, underscoring the significance of the partnership.
Prof. Sewilam, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources, commended the strong cooperation between Kenya and Egypt in water resource management. He highlighted the productive discussions held during the 7th Cairo Water Week in October 2024, where CS Eng. Mugaa had participated. According to Prof. Sewilam, the event was instrumental in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the ties between the two countries.
Prof. Sewilam also shared plans for upcoming visits to several Nile Basin countries as part of Egypt’s broader efforts to enhance regional cooperation. Both ministers emphasized the importance of reinforcing the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), a partnership among 10 Nile Basin countries, for sustainable water resource management. Eritrea participates in the initiative as an observer.
During the discussions, the Egyptian Minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s water resource development. He pledged Egypt’s support for dam construction projects, rehabilitation of degraded water resources, and conservation of water basins in Kenya.
Specific projects mentioned included the Angololo project under the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Plan (NELSAP) and the Soin-Koru Dam project, both key initiatives of the Kenyan government.
Accompanying CS Mugaa were key officials, including Principal Secretary of the State Department for Irrigation CPA Ephantus Kimotho, Director of Transboundary Water Resources Ms. Gladys Wekesa, and Chief Executive Officer of the National Irrigation Authority, Eng. Charles M. Muasya.
The meeting underscored the deepening collaboration between Kenya and Egypt, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable water management and regional partnerships for mutual benefit.
