The Kenyan government has announced a proposal to merge the National Irrigation Authority with the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority as part of a broader effort to enhance the management of state corporations and public resources.
Parliament has opened a public consultation on the Water (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which outlines the merger. Citizens, civil society groups, and other stakeholders are encouraged to review the Bill and submit their opinions and recommendations through written memoranda.
Objectives of the Merger
- Improve operational and financial efficiency of water agencies
- Harmonise irrigation, water harvesting, and storage functions
- Eliminate overlapping institutional mandates
- Expand water service delivery nationwide
- Streamline governance by repealing redundant provisions
The Departmental Committee overseeing the process emphasized that public participation is a constitutional right and a key element in shaping effective water management policies.
Copies of the Water (Amendment) Bill, 2026, are available for download, and submissions can be sent to the Clerk of the National Assembly. This initiative aligns with Kenya's goals to strengthen water infrastructure, enhance irrigation for food security, and improve water harvesting amid rising demand.
Stakeholders in water, agriculture, and development sectors are urged to engage actively in the consultation to influence the legislation before it proceeds further in Parliament.
