MP Proposes Sh43.5 Billion For Water And Sanitation Projects

A legislator has proposed a Sh43.5 billion budget for water and sanitation development projects to improve access to clean water and sanitation services across the country.

Speaking before the Liaison Committee chaired by Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss, the Chairperson of the Blue Economy, Water, and Irrigation Committee, Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen, recommended increased funding to help the government achieve its target of improving water access from 73 percent to 80 percent and sanitation services from 33 percent to 40 percent by 2027.

Bowen urged the State Department for Water and Sanitation to implement an inclusive water development policy.

He proposed that each of the 290 constituencies receive Sh50 million annually for the next three financial years to fund water and sanitation projects. The initiative would cost the government Sh14.5 billion per year.

“This policy will entail allocating each of the 290 Constituencies Sh50 million annually for the next 3 financial years, to undertake water and sanitation development projects. The project will cost the government Sh14.5 billion annually,” Bowen said.

He also called for the fast-tracking merger of the State Department for Water and Sanitation, the State Department for Irrigation, and the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries. B

Bowen emphasized that the restructuring should be completed before April 30, 2025, to align with the preparation of the 2025/26 budget estimates.