We need Ksh.995 billion to ensure every Kenyan has water: CS Muuga

Speaking on Citizen TV's Maskani, the CS explained that the funds would be to establish adequate water sources for each household. 

He noted that his Ministry has developed a sustainable plan to tackle the challenge; proposing that a proper Aquifer mapping needed to be carried out to determine the water sources in Kenya. 

The Ministry would now use the information to determine proper well fields that would supply sufficient groundwater to multiple users. 

"If we look at Kenya, and to ensure everyone has access to water and we have enough sources, the Ministry has an investment vehicle; National Water and Sanitation Investment and Financing Plan and we need around Ksh.995 billion," Muuga stated. 

He added that Kenya faces a water storage problem and developing sustainable systems would be key in solving the issue. 

The CS, however, raised concern that raising such funds to develop the systems remains a significant challenge in his Ministry. 

"For now if we look at all sources of revenue, this could be by 2030. With government funding, concession loans, Public-private partnership (PPP) and development partners, we can't raise more than Ksh.500 billion. You must have deliberate action and person of knowledge to know where you want to go," he added.

He listed projects in the pipeline such as the Horn of Africa Ground Water Resilience Program which will see over 400 boreholes dug in northern parts of Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. 

Muuga added that the World Bank has committed Ksh.49.8 billion for the project that is currently in progress.