MACHAKOS WATER POLICY
MACHAKOS WATER POLICY
MACHAKOS WATER POLICY
COUNTY
GOVERNMENT
WATER POLICY 2018
FOREWARD
The Machakos County Water Policy of June, 2014 has been developed in line with the vision of
the Governor, Dr. Alfred Mutua, enshrined in his 2013 manifesto. In essence the Policy is built
on the achievements of the sector reform commenced with the new Constitution and the Vision
2030 coming in place to which the county policy is aligned. The Policy aims at spearheading fast
development within the County else dabbed Maendeleo Chap Chap. In this the County aims at
providing free safe drinking water for all as well as boosting and creating an enabling
environment for precision farming by developing irrigation water structures.
The country lies within two major water towers; Tana & Athi Catchment Areas, which is faced
with severe degradation due to human activities. Without its protection and conservation, the
ecosystem services and water security in the County would worsen having a negative effect on
the economic development and the living conditions of its population.
The county Government of Machakos is committed to ensuring the realization of the
constitutional requirement to 'the right to water' which is not easy to achieve unless concerted
efforts. Nevertheless, through this policy and the collective commitment of water sector
stakeholders, the County Government is determined to meet its obligations. This policy also
takes into account obligations of the County with regard to regional and international
arrangements related to water resources management and environment, such as trans-boundary
or shared water sources Framework.
Hence the Department responsible for water affairs in collaboration with its stakeholders,
development partners and local communities shall ensure that the policy objectives and the
guiding principles outlined in this policy and subsequent specific and detailed strategies based on
it are fully implemented, monitored and evaluated for optimal impact.
We are grateful to the organization and individuals who contributed to the development of this
policy, especially my staff, environment officers, the private sector, and many individual citizens
of Machakos County.
It is therefore my considered expectation that this policy will serve this county as envisaged. I
would like to encourage all water sector stakeholders, development partners and communities in
Machakos County to work in harmony for the realization of this policy towards the driving motto
of 'water for all'.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND .......................................................................................... 3
1.1 Policy Goal and Objectives: .......................................................................................................... 4
2 WATER SOURCES AND SUPPLY .................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Water Sources ............................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Water Supply ................................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 Water Service Providers................................................................................................................ 5
2.4 SAFE WATER USAGE ............................................................................................................... 5
2.4.1 Water Quality and Quantity .................................................................................................. 6
2.4.2 Waste Water Disposal ........................................................................................................... 6
2.5 WATER INVESTMENTS............................................................................................................ 7
2.5.1 Water Infrastructure and Distribution ................................................................................... 7
2.5.2 Water Technology ................................................................................................................. 8
2.5.3 Water Use Charges and Tariffs ............................................................................................. 8
2.6 AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL WATER ...................................................................... 9
2.6.1 Riparian areas and uncontrolled settlements ......................................................................... 9
2.6.2 FLOOD CONTROL ........................................................................................................... 10
2.7 LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK.................................................................... 11
2.8 Role of Water Resource Management ........................................................................................ 12
2.8.1 Water Service Trust Fund ................................................................................................... 13
2.8.2 Public and Private Institutions ............................................................................................ 13
2.8.3 Water Appeal Board............................................................................................................ 13
2.8.4 Institutional Arrangement ................................................................................................... 13
2.9 Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)............................................................................................. 15
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CHAPTER ONE
Therefore, the aspirations of various groups such as leaders, farmers, industries, County domestic water
users and environmental groups are addressed in many respects within the document. The proposed
policy options and defining relevant institutions are meant to guide improved water and water use in the
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County.
CHAPTER TWO
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especially in areas being over-exploited could be falling thus presenting future challenges in meeting
water needs. The use of improved technologies for extraction and distribution could be one of the
efficient ways to address such water source challenges.
Towards this end the County government shall ensure that development plans incorporate rainwater
harvesting systems and protection of water catchment areas from destruction and degradation.
Additionally, possible ground water sources such as aquifers shall be mapped out to determine the
quantity and quality of ground water resources in the country. This process shall be participatory
involving the local communities in areas with these water resources.
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resource that should be used efficiently. The demographic division of water use in the County is divided
between urban and rural communities. Urban uses involve both domestic and industrial economic
activities, while agriculture and household usage is dominant among the rural and peri-urban dwellers.
The rising population and increased need for diversified economic uses like more industries demand
requires remedial measures to address such usage in the County.
In order to address the above challenges, the County Government shall seek more investment in the water
sector including partnering with development agencies and through Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) to
develop more water facilities. For recreational purpose, rivers, dams and other water bodies should be
considered for development for sporting and tourism activities.
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In view of the waste disposal challenges, the County Government shall ensure that efficient
waste water disposal measures are incorporated in urban and rural settlement planning. This will
include development of sewerage systems, open channels, septic tanks, soak pits, latrines and
eco-san systems where applicable. Further, a financial budget shall be put in place by the County
Government as a mitigation measure so as to establish suitable disposal systems which are
normally treated as less important; while industries shall be encouraged to treat their water
affluent to the required standards before releasing their waste back to the hydrologic system.
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investments opportunities.
To expand the infrastructure coverage and service larger parts of the county, the government shall
rehabilitate existing water works, ensure equitable distribution of water infrastructure to include
uncovered areas of the county, allocate adequate financial investment for rural water supplies and
ensure that standards for water works are set and monitored for compliance.
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confer the benefits of economies of scale the County shall encourage clustering of
various water schemes to cushion the consumer against high tariffs.
The County shall also ensure that all water consumers are metered to regulate possible misuse and
reduce Unaccounted for Water (UFW). As a public good it shall identify and subsidies certain cost
elements for example water treatment to reduce the cost of unit sales. The use of economical water
treatment chemicals such as coagulant and polymers shall be adopted. But the operation and
maintenance tools and equipment shall be provided by the county for all water schemes. The statutory
charges by Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA)4 and National Environment Management
Authority (NEMA)5 shall be reviewed and harmonized to reduce overall cost of production.
Under irrigation water saving methods like aligning the cropping pattern with natural water sources,
small irrigation (drip, sprinkler, etc.), efficient irrigation operation should be encouraged and
incentivized. The County shall create awareness and introduce irrigated agriculture, production by
green houses with minimal use of water so as curb food insecurity. In addition, where necessary
PPP's participation shall be encouraged.
Urban settlements, encroachments and any developmental activities in the protected upstream
areas of reservoirs/water bodies, key aquifer recharge areas that pose a potential threat of
contamination, pollution, reduced recharge and those that endanger wild and human life should
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be strictly regulated. Encroachments and diversion of water sources (like rivers, lakes, tanks,
ponds, etcetera) and drainage channels (irrigated area as well as urban area drainage) shall be
discouraged. In order to address the above problem, the County Government shall identify,
survey and demarcate all water riparian and catchment areas. It shall pass the necessary
legislation on such unsustainable settlement practices that impact negatively the water systems.
The Government shall also encourage farmers to employ acceptable farming practices and
legislate the law to guide on proper settlements and farming methods in the vulnerable areas. The
communities shall be sensitized and encouraged to utilize water taking into account local
availability of water resource and the negative effects of degrading water rich areas.
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2.7 LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
The Constitution in Schedule Four devolves water services to the County governments.
However, weak linkages with existing County legal and institutional framework can disrupt the
smooth transition of the devolved roles. The functions devolved include water service provision
and sanitation, spring protection and development of small community water supply facilities.
This poses a challenge since the services delivery is divided between the Community, Water
Services Boards (WSBs) and the County. Some of the key issues identified in the devolved
responsibilities include definition of public investments and County public works. In addition,
the synergy between the existing water services boards and County water functions require
examination to avoid duplication, replication and conflict of institutional roles, functions and
water conservation and management mandates. The water sector has been guided by the National
Water Policy of 1999 and Water Act 2002 that provided for a new institutional set-up for Water
Resources Management and Water Services Boards at National and Basin level. The framework
established urban Water Supplies Water Services Regulatory Board (WSRB), at the national
level, while water asset developer and manager was created at the regional level with contracted
water services providers to be operators for the provision of water services. Further a pro-poor
basket was established to channel funds for pro-poor-related investments, to give national
concepts and to offer capacity building for policy implementers. For participation and
empowerment of users/consumers, the Water Resource User Associations (WRUAs) were
established. This ensured stakeholder awareness and participation thus resolving water conflicts
in a more amicable manner. In addition, Water Services Boards (WSBs were established to
promote Asset Development which includes Ministry of Water and Irrigation, WASREB, Water
Resources Authority (WRA), Water Appeals Board (WAB), Water Services Trust Fund (WSTF),
Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) and National Water Conservation and Pipeline Cooperation
(NWCPC) to promote Asset Development. The establishment of such autonomous water services
institutions enhanced the performance and standards in water the sector, improved information
and monitoring systems, service quality and fostered transparency and accountability in water
resources. This was supported by embracing best practices of separating regulatory mandates
from implementation functions in order to avoid impaired accountability resulting from self-
regulation. The County shall set mechanisms to deliberate on the issues relating to water, water
use and water quality though local consensus and co-operation among the stakeholders. In this
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regard a permanent Water Disputes Tribunal (WDT) shall be established by the Minister in
charge of water affairs in the county Define “Centre”. County water head office to resolve any
possible disputes. The County Water Act shall legislate on the formation of such dispute
resolution mechanism.
Enhance inter-basin water transfer in Kenya as a strategic intervention for optimized use of water
resources
Enhance pollution control
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ground waters conservation and efficient utilization of water among other defined roles.
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department shall be established with the following structure.
DEPARTMENT ORGANOGRAM
County Governor
Head of divisions
Head of divisions Heads of division
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2.9 Gender
Water has many gender dimensions. At the household level women and children are involved in
various ways in getting and using water. Such skewed distribution of roles betrays existing laws on
gender parity. But traditionally, women work on farm and household roles and thus access to water
affect their production activities. To address this gap, an effective gender-sensitive approach in
designing and implementing various interventions in water development shall be undertaken.
In this regard the County government in collaboration with stakeholders in both public and private
sectors, will develop special gender sensitive programmes for women and youth empowerment to
enable them access efficient water facilities. The relevant gender issues will be incorporated, as much
as possible, in all water extension education.
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