By Joshua Otieno | March 20, 2026
Key government priorities on water sector reforms, irrigation expansion, and sustainable financing were outlined during a high-level briefing held at Harambee Annex in Nairobi.
Isaac Mwaura, the Government Spokesperson, hosted Eric Mugaa, Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, where they addressed ongoing reforms and national development strategies.
Free National ID Services Extended
During the briefing, Mwaura announced that first-time National ID applications and replacements will remain free until 2027, following a presidential directive aimed at increasing registration among youth and marginalized communities.
Shift to Sustainable Financing
The government is adopting a new financing approach through the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), moving away from over-reliance on the exchequer and external donors.
The model focuses on “asset conversion,” where mature public assets are leveraged to fund new infrastructure projects.
Boost Through Public-Private Partnerships
The NIF will also support large-scale water projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), ensuring efficiency while keeping costs affordable. The Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) will continue regulating water tariffs to protect consumers.
Focus on Irrigation and Climate Resilience
With climate change affecting rainfall patterns, the government is prioritizing irrigation-based agriculture to reduce reliance on rain-fed farming.
“The goal is to enable farmers to plant anytime, regardless of weather conditions,” Mugaa noted.
Itare Dam Project Update
On the stalled Itare Dam project, the CS revealed that the government has reached out to Italy for support in identifying a new contractor after concerns with the previous arrangement.
World Water Day Preparations
Kenya will mark World Water Day on March 22 in Meru County under the theme “Water and Gender Equality.”
The event will bring together stakeholders across the water sector to discuss challenges and solutions, while emphasizing the critical role of women in water management and conservation.
Promoting Inclusion and Innovation
The government is also rolling out:
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Training for smallholder farmers on modern irrigation
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Model farms to demonstrate efficient water use
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Inclusive policies to involve women and rural communities in decision-making
