NMG hosts forum on water crisis ahead of May conference
Participants follow proceedings during the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Pre-Conference Meeting on Water, Sanitation and Irrigation at Kenya Water Institute in Nairobi on April 7, 2025.
Nation Media Group (NMG) on Monday convened a high-level stakeholder forum to address Kenya's growing water crisis.
The event lays groundwork for a major conference next month that will tackle sustainable solutions for water, sanitation, and irrigation challenges.
The consultative forum brought together key players in the water sector to explore gaps, share best practices, and build synergies among stakeholders amid escalating climate change impacts, including extreme weather events, flooding, and disease outbreaks.
"Water is a resource that remains scarce in different parts of the country," said NMG's Commercial General Manager James Sogoti. "Through our platforms, we aim to bring out this information with like-minded partners to highlight areas facing critical challenges."
Mr Julius Korir, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Water and Sanitation, emphasised that water is not merely essential for sustaining life but also a critical pillar for economic empowerment. He noted that the department is actively supporting counties in reducing non-revenue water to acceptable levels.
"In Kenya, water access is a constitutional right of every citizen," Korir said. "Beyond domestic requirements, water must be sustainably available for industrial, agricultural, and environmental needs."
The stakeholder meeting serves as a precursor to the upcoming Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Conference and Expo scheduled for May 8. The event will offer the public an opportunity to engage directly with various water sector stakeholders and explore innovative solutions.
According to data from the Water Services Regulatory Board (Wasreb), only 73 percent of Kenya's population currently has access to basic water services, while approximately 18.6 million Kenyans still rely on unimproved water sources.
"The May conference will provide a platform for public dialogue on sustainable water management, drought mitigation, water reforms, and policy implementation," Sogoti explained. "We also want to use the platform to showcase success and innovation in this sector."
NMG revealed that the conference will bring together stakeholders from across the region and will include exhibitions, testimonials, and panel discussions to spotlight innovations and sector best practices.
Sogoti reiterated the media house's commitment to advancing national development by leveraging journalism to highlight critical issues and create meaningful impact in society.