This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
At the 2019 World Water Week conference in Stockholm, Sweden, Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Simion Chelugui outlined the government's ambitious plans to increase water coverage.
According to Chelugui, the ministry aims to establish 200,000 new water connections annually, with a focus on reaching marginalized communities. Additionally, the government plans to ensure 350,000 new sewer connections for approximately 3.2 million people in urban areas each year, with the goal of achieving universal access to water by 2030.
Kenya has made significant progress in implementing commitments on water for all, with the development of key policies and strategies, including the Draft National Water Policy 2018 and the Kenya Environmental Sanitation and Hygiene Policy and Strategy (2015-2030).
Chelugui emphasized the importance of domesticating the Sustainable Development Goal 6 and the Human Right to Water and Sanitation (HRWS) approach into national priorities and plans. He also highlighted the establishment of the Water Sector Trust Fund, which provides conditional and unconditional grants to counties and assists in financing the development of and management of water services in marginalized areas.
The World Water Week 2019 conference brought together experts, practitioners, decision-makers, business innovators, and young professionals from various sectors and countries to discuss and develop solutions to pressing water-related challenges.
