(Nakuru) – Nakuru County is making significant strides to reduce water loss through the adoption of modern technologies aimed at improving the efficiency of its water supply system. The County government is focused on cutting the current non-revenue water loss rate, which stands at an average of 54%, to 20% through a series of targeted interventions.
Dr. Nelson Maara, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, Climate Change, Energy, and Natural Resources, explained that the government is implementing a number of strategies to address water wastage. These include upgrading pipelines, installing advanced smart meters for accurate billing, and using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to monitor leaks and bursts in real-time.
The county’s efforts are part of a larger initiative to reduce inefficiencies in water supply systems. Dr. Maara noted that Kenya loses around 430,000 cubic meters of water each year, which is worth approximately Sh12.2 billion. He emphasized that by addressing these inefficiencies, the government could save a significant amount of public funds.
Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which refers to water that is produced but not billed to consumers due to factors such as leaks, theft, or inaccurate meters, is a serious issue across the country. Nationally, over 200 million cubic meters of water are lost every year, valued at more than Sh12 billion. These losses result in reduced water quality, scarcity, and insufficient access to water and sanitation services for the public.
To tackle this, Nakuru County is working on several fronts. The government is focusing on detecting and repairing leaks, auditing the water system regularly, and replacing old and deteriorating pipes with more durable infrastructure. Additionally, the county is installing tamper-proof meters to ensure accurate billing and promoting public education on water conservation and the importance of reporting leaks.
Dr. Maara made these remarks during a workshop on reducing Non-Revenue Water to sustainable levels. He highlighted the need to rehabilitate and upgrade outdated water and sewerage systems managed by Nakuru Water and Sanitation Services Company Ltd (NAWASSCO), Nakuru Rural Water and Sanitation Company Ltd (NARUWASCO), and Naivasha Water, Sewerage and Sanitation Company Ltd (NAIVAWASCO). These upgrades are expected to provide communities in the region with improved access to safe water and sanitation services.
The importance of clean water, sanitation, and efficient water management was a central theme of Dr. Maara’s message. He explained that access to safe water and hygienic sanitation is vital for public health and environmental conservation. His department is committed to implementing various measures to ensure that the county’s water systems operate effectively and meet the growing demand for water.
Recent audits conducted by the County revealed that more than half of the treated drinking water supplied by the three main water service providers is lost due to leaks, theft, and meter inaccuracies. These losses cost the county over Sh40 million each month and contribute to water scarcity in the region.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Water and Environment launched the Non-Revenue Water Management Standards in July 2023, accompanied by campaigns to encourage sustainable water management across the country. These efforts are in line with the national government’s commitment to ensuring access to clean and safe water for all, as outlined in Kenya’s Constitution under Article 43.
Kenya is also working towards meeting its national water targets as part of the 2030 goals, particularly the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. So far, Kenya has made significant progress, achieving 52% of its target for implementing integrated water resources management.
Japan has partnered with Kenya to evaluate the availability, reliability, and quality of the country’s water resources, taking into account factors such as climate change and rapid urbanization. This collaboration is helping to assess the long-term sustainability of Kenya’s water supply and improve water resource management practices.