WATER REFORMS JOURNEY: KILIFI’S PURSUIT TO UNIVERSAL WATER ACCESS

The “Water for All” debate, advocating for universal access to clean water, has a long and complex history, marked by growing international awareness of the issue, evolving technological solutions, and ongoing discussions about equitable distribution, particularly concerning the roles of governments, corporations, and local communities in achieving this goal, with major milestones including the UN’s recognition of water as a human right and the ongoing push for sustainable water management practices across the globe.

While not explicitly termed “Water for All,” the concept of clean water access as a basic human need began to gain traction in the early 20th century, with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighting the importance of sanitation and water hygiene for public health. Following World War II, international development efforts placed greater emphasis on water infrastructure projects in developing countries, often with a focus on large-scale dams and centralized water systems.

By the late 20th century, concerns about growing water scarcity, particularly in arid regions and rapidly urbanizing areas, led to a more prominent “water crisis” narrative, pushing for urgent action on water access. A key turning point came in 2002 when the UN General Assembly recognized access to clean drinking water and sanitation as a fundamental human right, solidifying the “Water for All” concept as a global priority.

Following the MDGs, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) continued to emphasize the importance of universal water access, with SDG 6 specifically dedicated to ensuring clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.

Kenya’s water reform history is marked by a shift from centralized government control to decentralized service provision, with significant changes occurring through the introduction of the 1999 National Water Policy and the subsequent Water Act of 2002, which facilitated the establishment of local Water Service Providers (WSPs) and regional Water Services Boards (WSBs) to manage water services across the country; the 2010 Kenyan Constitution further devolved water management functions to county governments, solidifying this decentralization trend.

Previously service provision had been the responsibility of a single National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation as well as of a few local utilities established since 1996. After the passage of the act service provision was gradually decentralized to 91 local Water Service Providers (WSPs). These were linked to 8 regional Water Services Boards (WSBs) in charge of asset management through Service Provision Agreements (SPAs) with the WSPs. 

Access to water is a key issue for developing countries. Kenya is one such country in which water scarcity and a poor water infrastructure compromise the health and standard of living of the population, and hinder its economic and social development. Despite a long history of attempts to reform the country’s water sector and improve water resources management, a large proportion of Kenya’s population is still not sufficiently served with water for consumptive, sanitation, and productive purposes.

But Kilifi Case is rallying given the experience as KIMAWASCO is emerging as one of the stronger companies in Kenya that should be benchmarked byt weaker water companies in eastern Africa. Just recently, the Kilifi Mariakani Water and Sewerage Company Limited (KIMAWASCO) signed a contract to implement smart water meter technology. Smart water meters that can help KIMAWASCO improve water resource management, reduce water waste, and increase revenue collection.

Driven by a vision of sustainable water management, innovation, and excellence, the Water Body understands the vital role water plays in daily life, health, and economic development thus they continuously strive to meet and exceed the highest standards of service quality, environmental responsibility, and customer satisfaction.

You can contact KIMAWASCO through the following contact details:

• Tel : 0727 110 711
• Email : info@kilifiwater.co.ke
• Address: Old KDDP building, off Msa – Mld road
• Box : 275 – 80108 Kilifi