Transparency International Kenya (TI-K) in partnership with Maji na Ufanisi a non governmental organization Monday released a report aimed at improving good governance in the Kenya water and sanitation sector.
The report dubbed “Water Governance Study” follows a study conducted between March and May in Nairobi, Mombasa, Mwingi, Kitui and Budalangi using a sample size of 2722 small-scale water users and 119 large-scale water users.
Speaking during the release of the report findings Transparency International Kenya Director Job Ogonda said that poor management and corruption within the water sector has lead to malpractices and therefore experiencing a big loss in revenue collection.
The study established that 57% of water consumed for domestic purposes was unaccounted for and that cases of bribery for illegal connections were higher in Nairobi at 87%, Mombasa 75% and Kisumu 67%.other malpractices include tampering with meter readings and diversion of water from domestic users to industries.
“Corruption in the water sector makes implementation of economic plans impossible resulting in poverty and diseases due to illegal connection of poor quality pipes in most of the slum areas,” he added.
In its recommendations, the two organizations urged the Ministry of Water to develop institutional linkages that will facilitate detection of loopholes that create opportunities for malpractices.
They further recommended the strengthening of consumer participation and feedback systems to encourage water users to file complaints.
Water Permanent Secretary David Stower welcomed the TI report saying that it would help the ministry in the ongoing reforms in the water sector. Stoer said that the ministry has asked the Nairobi water and Sewerage Company to work with law enforcement agencies to disconnect all illegal connections. He added that the ministry would also move to reduce the number of private water companies that have proliferated the sector since it was liberalised.
The reports comes amidst acute water shortage in most of households particularly in Nairobi and its environs.
Read the powerpoint summary of the report here.
Source: Margaret Kalekye, KNA / KBC, 22 June 2009
Corruption has indeed crippled fair, effective and efficient service delivery in the water sector, and the report highlights clearly, the impact of poor governance on the society, it therefore calls for concerted effort from both government and society in order to contain corrupt practices within tolerable limits, while it is still early enough.