NECSA Kenya's Position Paper on Water Legislation in Baringo County
- Category: Policy Work and Legislation
- Date 14-05-2024
Introduction
Baringo County, found in Kenya's Rift Valley, is a region rich in natural beauty and resources but facing significant challenges in water resource management. The National Environment Civil Society Alliance of Kenya (NECSA-K), in collaboration with various stakeholders, conducted a comprehensive assessment of the legislative gaps affecting water governance in Baringo County. This position paper presents findings from the assessment and offers recommendations to address these critical issues.
Background
Baringo County, with its six sub-counties and diverse landscape, is home to over 600,000 residents. However, the county faces a legislative gap in water governance, relying solely on the national Water Act of 2016 without a specific county law. This gap hampers effective water management, infrastructure development, and resource conservation efforts.
Current Situation
Water scarcity is a pressing issue in Baringo, worsened by low rainfall and cyclic droughts. Rural areas, home to 89% of the population, suffer from inadequate access to clean water, forcing communities to rely on unsafe sources. Urban centers face challenges of uneven water distribution and poor sanitation infrastructure, posing health risks to residents.
Despite efforts to improve water access through projects and boreholes, operational challenges persist due to poor management and maintenance. Moreover, inadequate wastewater management and agricultural pollution threaten water quality, while flood vulnerabilities further compound the risks.
Gaps and Challenges
Key challenges identified include water scarcity, uneven distribution, governance issues, non-compliance with regulations, lack of sewerage systems, and inadequate water harvesting infrastructure. Riparian encroachments, conflicts over resources, and catchment degradation further exacerbate the situation, demanding urgent interventions.
Recommendations
To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is proposed:
- Wastewater Management: Urgent construction of waste management facilities in major towns to mitigate contamination risks.
- Strengthening Governance: Capacity building for Water Resource User Associations (WRUAs) and coordination with neighboring counties for shared resource management.
- Water Resource Monitoring: Establishment of robust monitoring mechanisms to track water quantity and quality, informing conservation efforts.
- Compliance and Enforcement: Stringent enforcement of water regulations, including the "Polluter Pays Principle," to deter contamination.
- Community Engagement: Collaboration with civil society organizations and NGOs to support conservation initiatives and community education.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: Synergy among environmental agencies to streamline efforts and maximize impact in water management.
- Infrastructure Development: Expansion of water harvesting and storage facilities, coupled with modern technology adoption for efficient water distribution.
Conclusion
A well-defined legislative framework is crucial for sustainable water management in Baringo County. NECSA-K's position paper highlights the urgent need for tailored county legislation, supported by comprehensive policies and robust enforcement mechanisms. NECSA-K stands ready to support the county in this endeavor, advocating for environmentally sound policies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. By addressing legislative gaps and implementing pragmatic solutions, Baringo can secure a prosperous future where clean water is accessible to all, ensuring the well-being of both its people and its precious ecosystems. Together, let us embark on this journey towards a water-secure future for Baringo County.
Download the Comprehensive Position Paper generated here