The State Department for Irrigation has stepped up efforts to strengthen compliance with the Water Resources Regulations, 2025, particularly among irrigation water abstractors.
Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimingwi held talks with the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Water Resources Authority (WRA), CPA James Mburu, during a courtesy call at his office.
The discussions focused on strengthening implementation and compliance with the Water Resources Regulations, 2025, as the government seeks to promote sustainable management and responsible use of the country’s water resources.
“The discussions focused on strengthening compliance with the Water Resources Regulations, 2025 (WRR 2025), particularly among irrigation abstractors,” the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation said.
The meeting also explored ways of involving Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) more actively in water resource conservation activities and the licensing of irrigation abstractors.
The Ministry said the engagement was aimed at strengthening coordination between institutions responsible for managing and regulating the country’s water resources.
“The team discussed the involvement of Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) in water resource conservation activities and the licensing of irrigation abstractors, among other regulatory matters,” the Ministry said.
WRUAs are expected to play an important role in promoting conservation at the community level while supporting compliance among water users, particularly those involved in irrigation.
The discussions come as the government seeks to ensure that increased demand for water, especially for agriculture, is balanced with the need to protect and conserve water resources.
The Ministry said continued collaboration between the Water Resources Authority and the State Department for Irrigation would be critical in achieving sustainable water resource management.
“The meeting underscored the importance of continued collaboration and coordination between the Water Resources Authority and the State Department for Irrigation in promoting sustainable water resource management,” the Ministry said.
The collaboration will also focus on strengthening regulatory compliance and supporting the efficient and responsible use of water resources.
The government is seeking to enhance enforcement of water regulations while working with communities, irrigation farmers and other stakeholders to ensure water resources are managed sustainably for present and future generations.