Lake region county chiefs in new push to address water challenges

Governors from the Lake Region Economic Bloc have come together to address the pressing need for water security and environmental sustainability.

In a joint communique, the 14 county bosses called for collective action to secure access to clean and safe water for the more than 17 million residents of the bloc.

Coming at the end of their two-day inaugural conference on partnership fit water security in Kisumu, the governors said a united effort is required to tackle the growing challenge of water scarcity, climate change and environmental degradation.

Governors Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), Simba Arati (Kisii), Bungoma’s Kenneth Lusaka, Ochillo Ayacko (Migori) and Kakamega’s Fernandes Barasa signed the communique.

Others are Bomet Governor Hilary Barchok, Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), James Orengo (Siaya), Stephen Sang (Nandi), Eric Mutai (Kericho), Nyamira’s Amos Nyaribo, George Natembeya (Trans Nzoia), Paul Otuoma (Busia) and Vihiga’s Wilberforce Ottichillo. 

While addressing the media, Barchok - who is also LREB’s chair for water resources, said the counties would require substantial resources to implement their ambitious water and sanitation plans.

More than half of the financing directed toward the water sector comes from development partners, which may not be sustainable.

“We need to explore more sustainable funding mechanisms for water infrastructure to ensure long-term solutions,” Barchok said.

“We are committed to addressing disparities in access to water and sanitation services particularly in marginalised and rural areas.”

In a significant endorsement of the governors’ efforts, Sheila Roquitte, Deputy Mission Director for USAID Kenya and East Africa praised the initiative.

This was the first time the economic bloc has brought all the counties together to collaborate on managing this natural resource.

“When we work together to manage this precious natural resource, we all benefit,” Roquitte said.

The county chiefs outlined plans to expand water infrastructure, rehabilitate existing systems and improve sanitation, calling for collaboration with all stakeholders, including the national government, civil society and private sectors to realise the shared vision.

Central to their approach is a focus on environmental sustainability.

They agreed to uphold policies that protect critical water catchment areas and ecosystems, particularly the Mau Forest Complex and the Lake Victoria Basin, which are vital for the region’s water supply.

Threats posed by deforestation, pollution and degradation of wetlands were among challenges raised, as they pledged to accelerate restoration efforts.

To foster cooperation on water bodies like rivers and lakes, the governors supported the formation of Water Basin Committees.

These will include representatives from counties endowed with key water bodies that will help ensure the sustainable management of watersheds, rivers and lakes.

The governors highlighted the urgency of building resilience in the face of climate change impacts, such as floods and drought, which have strained water resources.

Integrating climate resilience into water management strategies will be used to help communities adapt to changing environmental conditions.