This archive report was first published on 19 September 2019.
On September 19, 2019, Nation NewsPlex published a report highlighting the importance of water in Kenya's economy and public health.
Water is a staple good for the manufacturing sector, which is one of Kenya's biggest employers. Improved water supply will reduce the cost of production and increase investment, making it a top priority for State House as part of the Big Four Agenda.
Government engineers have installed infrastructure to recycle most of the water used in Kenya, known as 'grey water,' which can be used for manufacturing processes, gardening, or flushing.
The President established the Kenya Industrial Water Alliance (KIWA) to streamline the process of smart water use for manufacturing, bringing together stakeholders like the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), the Waters Resources Management Authority (Warma), and the Kenya 2030 Water Resources Group.
Improving water infrastructure not only benefits the manufacturing sector but also reduces child mortality by providing potable and clean water. This holistic approach is part of the strategy to reduce preventable deaths, such as those caused by polluted water, which has led to a decrease in children's diarrhoea-related deaths in Kenya.
With the ambitious national water plan targeting Vision 2030, Kenya aims to join the club of middle-income economies by 2030, ensuring the success of the Big Four Agenda and driving economic growth.