Meaningful reforms in the water sector in Kenya trace back to 2002 when Water Act 2002 was enacted bringing significant positive changes in the water sector. For instance, the Act introduced a water management framework that sought to address perpetual challenges such as: institutional weaknesses, inadequate funding and conflicts arising from overlap of roles among water sector institutions (WSIs. 14 years later, Water Act 2016 was enacted making it a progressive legislation in that it recognised water as a basic right, fully in conformity with the CoK 2010, which has enshrined the right to water in its bill of rights. In addition, the Act recognised devolution of water management activities between the two levels of government- national and county. The Act also reviewed and refined the institutional framework of WSIs creating new institutions and/or redefining their roles, responsibilities and mandates. The new WSIs are well placed to manage water resources for sustainable development; enhance availability of water for economic growth; reduce and control pollution; improve living conditions for all Kenyans and sustainable conservation of the environment for posterity and future generations.
