HYDROPOLITICS CAN IMPROVE WATER SERVICES' DELIVERY & ACCESS IN KILIFI COUNTY

Courtesy Image//: *Ruruma Residents in Rabai queuing for water resource*

It’s probably ubiquitous for many people to go to the fridge, pour a glass of water, drink, and satisfy their thirst.

However, although there’s a considerable amount of water supply on earth, its distribution is uneven.

According to the UN World Water Development Report (2019), more than 2 billion people suffer from severe water shortages, and approximately 4 billion people suffer from severe water shortages for at least one month per year.

Furthermore, experts consider that scarcity levels will continue to increase as water demand grows, and the effects of climate change intensify.

Globally, Water has been called the ‘next oil’.

In the coming decades, the supply of water has the potential to influence geopolitics, diplomacy and even conflict.

Experts agree: if there was no access to water, there would be no world peace.

That’s why one of the grand challenges of the next few decades could be maintaining this ultra-sensitive stasis of water management.

In the 21st Century, freshwater supplies are drying up, climate change is raising sea levels and altering borders, explosive population growth is straining world resources, and global hyper-nationalism is testing diplomatic relations.

Meanwhile, water demand is expected to go up to 55% by 2050.

In the coming century, in terms of its value as a global resource, it’s been described as “the next oil.”

Here in Kilifi, this “next oil” is political just as it is social-economically sensitive.

Water politics reffered in this article as hydropolitics is real and live in Kilifi County.

This is politics affected by the availability of water and water resources to Kilifi population and businesses – a necessity for all life forms and human development.

For Kilifi to Prosper, Water is an essential input for agriculture and food production, as well as a vital component for functioning ecosystems.

Adequate access to water can support productivity and food security, improve public health, and contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction in rural areas.

Kilifi County water companies (KIMAWASCO & MAWASCO) are crucial because they are responsible for delivering water and sanitation services at the local level, a mandate devolved to county governments by the 2010 constitution.

This process of ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all residents is Political.

Water is one of the mandates divided between national and county governments; it remains a national resource, but water service delivery is now a county responsibility.

As water crosses county boundaries, it is clear that national-level institutions are needed to navigate conflicts and regulate water service provision.

For the last decade, the County Government of Kilifi has been striving to improve water access for its people through mandated institutions like KIMAWASCO & MAWASCO.

As hydropolitics in Kilifi rage towards 2027 transition politics, the 2 water companies should continue to push for enhabced provision of reliable quality water and sewerage services in an environmentally friendly manner that delights Kilifi dwellers.