MPs Order Water Ministry to Prioritize Ongoing Projects

The Parliamentary Committee on Blue Economy, Water & Irrigation has directed the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation to halt the initiation of new projects and focus on completing ongoing and stalled projects.

Speaking during the 2026 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) meeting, Committee Chairperson MP Kangogo Bowen (Marakwet East) said new projects would not be considered in the 2026 BPS.

“You cannot spend what’s not available nor stretch beyond the limits. You can’t say you have a shortage of resources when you keep bringing new projects,” Kangogo said.

The decision follows the Ministry’s request for additional funding, part of which was meant for new initiatives.

Appearing before the Committee, Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, accompanied by Principal Secretaries Julius Korir (Water & Sanitation) and CPA Ephantus Kimotho (Irrigation), defended the Ministry’s proposed budget for 2026.

Korir told the Committee that the State Department for Water and Sanitation requires Sh120.1 billion, far above the Sh56.8 billion proposed in the 2026 BPS. He argued that increased funding would ensure equitable access to clean and safe water across the country through the implementation of key projects.

Kimotho, on his part, requested an additional Sh20.5 billion for the State Department of Irrigation, over the proposed allocation of Sh943 million. He warned that underfunding could delay project completion, stall ongoing initiatives, and create pending bills.

CS Mugaa highlighted that climate change has affected rain-fed agriculture, making irrigation a critical solution for food security. He urged the Committee to consider raising budget ceilings to enhance the capacity to fund projects, improve service delivery, and accommodate additional programs to meet growing public demand.