Water is an essential life-sustaining element. It pervades our lives and is deeply embedded in our cultural backgrounds.
The basic human needs of a secure food supply and freedom from disease depend on it. Social development – endeavors such as the smooth functioning of hospitals – likewise relies on the availability of clean water.
Economic development requires energy resources and industrial activities, and both are in turn water-dependent. The provision of sanitation for girls in schools offers yet another example of water’s broader links – it has positive
effects on hygiene and health, keeps girls in school, and helps to safeguard the natural environment.
For these reasons and many more, access to safe drinking water and sanitation is both a development target in its own right and integrally linked to achieving all the Millennium Development Goals.
Since the launch of the latest World Water Development Report, titled “Groundwater: Making the invisible visible” on March 21, 2022 by UNESCO on behalf of UN-Water the world has witnessed considerable change.
Kenya faces a significant water crisis, categorized as “water scarce” due to a combination of factors.
These factors include a large arid and semi-arid landmass, rapidly growing population, poor water management practices, and climate change, leading to limited access to clean water for a large portion of the population, particularly in rural areas and urban slums; with many Kenyans forced to travel long distances to access basic water needs.
With a population of 54 million, 15 million Kenyans lack access to safe water and 37 million lack access to a safe toilet. Growing water demand and water scarcity have turned into a notable challenge in Kenya.
This makes Kenya’s people according to the United Nations, as one of the most struggling populations in the world.
As Kenya’s cities grow at an unprecedented rate, barely half of Kenya’s urban population has access to water.
Minding the Gap
Water investments across Kilifi County remains below targets required to meet the water needs of the continent
Visible challenges acknowledged by multi-stakeholders in the water sector in Kilifi County are:
- Water Supply Deficit
Kilifi County currently faces a substantial water supply deficit, with an available supply of only 65,000 cubic meters per day (m³/day), against a demand of 265,000 m³/day.
This shortfall creates water scarcity for households, businesses, and agriculture, affecting livelihoods and limiting the county’s ability to attract new investments.
The deficit is expected to grow with increasing population and economic activities, making it critical to find alternative water sources.
Kilifi’s proximity to the Indian Ocean presents a viable opportunity to produce desalinated water, which could add up to 100,000 m³/day to the county’s water supply.
Desalination can provide a sustainable and reliable source of clean water, particularly for coastal communities and industries.
- Manual Water Meter Readings
The current water metering system in Kilifi County relies on manual readings, which are inefficient, prone to errors, and contribute to water loss through undetected leaks and inaccuracies in billing.
The manual process also leads to delays in capturing water usage data and affects the county’s ability to manage water resources effectively.
- High Cost of Electricity and Diesel for Pumping
Water pumping in Kilifi County is highly dependent on electricity and diesel, which come with high operational costs.
These energy costs drive up the price of water supply, putting a strain on both the water service providers and consumers.
Additionally, the reliance on fossil fuels contributes to environmental degradation and is not aligned with the global shift toward renewable energy solutions.
The Call for Shared Responsibility
Kilifi County’s water and sanitation sectors present significant investment opportunities, particularly in addressing the water supply deficit, modernizing water metering systems, and transitioning to renewable energy for water pumping.
By investing in desalination, smart water meters, and solar-powered systems, the county can build a resilient and sustainable water infrastructure that meets the needs of its growing population and industries.
During the Kilifi County International Investment Conference (KCIIC). Investors were invited to explore these opportunities and partner with the Kilifi County Government to drive innovative water solutions that ensure long-term sustainability and prosperity for the region.
Already, a Private-Public Partnership between Kilifi Ciunty Government through KIMAWASCO and Numeral IOT was given life after signing of a groundbreaking contract for the implementation of Water Smart Meter Technology in KIMAWASCO. This is good progress.
This article amplifies that call for enhanced investment in the water sector.
For More details contact the Kilifi County Government through:
To contact KIMAWASCO, you can reach us through the following:
- Tel : 0727 110 711
- Email : info@kilifiwater.co.ke
- Address: Old KDDP building, off Msa – Mld road
- Box : 275 – 80108 Kilifi
