The government has called for the adoption of modern technology and stronger governance measures to tackle high levels of non-revenue water (NRW), describing water losses as one of the country’s biggest challenges in water service delivery.
Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Mugaa made the remarks while officially opening the Non-Revenue Water Management Conference, which brought together stakeholders from the water sector, county governments and development partners.
Held under the theme “Improving Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Management by Leveraging Technology and Innovations,” the conference focused on practical and sustainable strategies to reduce water losses and improve the efficiency of water utilities.
“Held under the theme “Improving Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Management by Leveraging Technology & Innovations,” the conference underscored the urgent need to curb water losses and enhance the efficiency and long-term sustainability of our water utilities,”he said in a statement.
Mugaa urged water service providers to embrace innovation, strengthen governance and implement robust water loss reduction strategies while improving the technical management of water infrastructure.
He noted that although the latest WASREB 18th Impact Report shows non-revenue water has reduced to 48 per cent, the figure remains high and requires coordinated efforts to bring it down further.
The conference was attended by Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir, Israeli Ambassador to Kenya Gideon Behar, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, Nakuru Deputy Governor Dr. David Kones, as well as representatives from county governments, development partners and other stakeholders in the water sector.