The government of Kenya has announced plans to conduct a comprehensive aquifer mapping to identify viable water sources, aiming to tackle the country’s water scarcity issues sustainably.
Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Muuga revealed the plans and said the aquifer mapping will establish well fields for efficient groundwater distribution. He noted that country requires US $7.6bn to establish sufficient water sources for every household, aiming to address the country’s persistent water scarcity issues sustainably.
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Water scarcity
Kenya has been experiencing water scarcity for decades. The country has one of the lowest rates of freshwater replenishment in the world, and water demand is increasing. The CS acknowledged that raising the required funds is a significant hurdle, as current financing mechanisms, including government funding, concession loans, public-private partnerships (PPP), and development partners, are projected to raise only US $3.8bn by 2030. Muuga stressed the need for deliberate and knowledgeable action to mobilize additional resources and achieve the Ministry’s goals.
The Ministry has outlined several projects under its National Water and Sanitation Investment and Financing Plan, including; Horn of Africa Groundwater Resilience Program, Medium-Sized Dams and Water Pans Rehabilitation, County-Specific Water Projects( in Kiambu County, Murang’a County, Busia County. Further development is underway with the Sh21 billion Thika and Githunguri Water and Sanitation Project in Kiambu County, which aims to benefit 1.2 million people over the next three years.)
The Ministry’s ambitious projects reflect its commitment to achieving universal water access by 2030. However, the CS reiterated that mobilizing the remaining funds requires innovative financing strategies and collaboration among stakeholders, including international development partners and private investors.