SUSTAINABLE WATER GOVERNANCE

Sustainable water governance refers to managing and regulating water resources that ensure long-term availability and quality while balancing the needs of various stakeholders, including the environment, communities, and agriculture. The right to water is a fundamental human right; thus, the Water Act 2016 provides that every person has the right to access water resources. Water resource administration is a function of the National Government’s as stipulated in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution. 

Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), as an auxiliary to the National and County governments, plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable water governance across the country. KRCS acts as an intermediary between the government, local community, and other stakeholders to drive change through advocacy, capacity building, research, and implementation of sustainable water projects. 

KRCS, with the Ministries of Water and Sanitation and Labour and Social Protection, has been capacity-building Water Management Committees (WMC) to enhance their understanding and skills in sustainable water management. These sessions raise awareness about water conservation, pollution prevention, and the importance of sustainable water use. The WMCs are also sensitized to maintaining hygiene and sanitation at the water point to mitigate the risks of water disease outbreaks.   

To improve water conservation and efficiency, KRCS incorporates best practices and innovative technologies/solutions such as rainwater harvesting, water recycling, solar pumping systems, and pre-paid water meters that lower operational costs, reduce water waste, increase water use efficiency, and conserve water resources. These strategies are put in place to mitigate and adapt to climate change’s impacts on water resources. 

Monitoring and evaluating these water projects and policies is done to assess their effectiveness, strengthening areas that we are working in while seeking areas for improvement. The data collected provides insights into water resources, usage patterns, and the impacts of different management practices. 

Communications Team

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