Find solutions to water scarcity Kenyatta to Water experts

President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for more commitment to ensure water accessibility and sanitation, saying Kenya is among countries with water scarcity but high potential for water provision.

Speaking during the opening of the 18th African Water Association (AFWA) International Congress and Exhibition at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Kenyatta challenged the 1,500 delegates in attendance to seek better solutions to water scarcity in Africa.

Kenyatta noted that 56% of Kenyans have access to clean water while 70% have access to clean sanitation.

“My Government, working with our devolved units of government which have the mandate for water and sanitation services provision, is wholly committed to meet the 2030 target,” President Kenyatta said.

Noting that Kenya is a water-scarce country with less than 1,000 cubic metres per capita of renewable freshwater resources, President Kenyatta said more needs to be done to scale up clean water accessibility.

He further observed that the United Nations, in the ‘World Water Report 2014’, projected that global water demand would rise some 55 per cent by 2050 meaning that freshwater availability will be increasingly strained, and more than 40 per cent of the world’s population will live in areas of severe water stress in 2050.

He praised the African Water Association – formed in 1980 – saying it is making strides in ensuring that member countries work together to improve service delivery.

On his part, Water CS Eugene Wamalwa called for allocation of more funds by the government for water provision, as agriculture and health sectors are also competing for water with normal consumers.

Also present was Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and African Water Association President Hamanth Kassan.

On his part, Kidero said water scarcity could cause disease and stagnate economic growth adding that the meeting is a good forum for consultation and partnership.

The Water Association President Hamanth Kazan also noted that statistics show one child dies each second due to water-borne diseases and has urged African leaders to do more to overcome water scarcity.