Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Sanitation Launches National Sanitation Management Policy

By James Nyaigoti,

The Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Sanitation has officially launched the National Sanitation Management Policy, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to strengthen sanitation governance, enhance water security, and unlock economic value from waste.

The event was presided over by Eric Muriithi Mugaa, Cabinet Secretary for Water, Irrigation and Sanitation. Among those present were Joshua Wakahora Irungu, Governor of Laikipia County; Julius Korir, Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation; and representatives of development partners.

Speaking during the launch, CS Mugaa described the policy as a groundbreaking achievement for the country.

“Kenya is the first country on the continent to have a National Sanitation Management Policy. That is a credit we must give ourselves as a nation,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary explained that while Kenya has existing legal frameworks touching on sanitation  including public health and water laws the new policy provides a comprehensive foundation to harmonize and guide sector reforms.

“Policy comes before law. This is an anchoring policy that will guide the development of regulatory frameworks across departments to ensure sanitation is properly managed in the country,” Mugaa stated.

He added that the policy will provide a unified framework for development partners to align their interventions, replacing fragmented approaches with coordinated action.

Tackling Water Losses and Infrastructure Gaps

CS Mugaa also addressed the persistent challenges facing water supply systems, particularly in Nairobi, citing aging infrastructure and water theft as major concerns.

“In Nairobi, we lose between 53 and 54 percent of the water we bring into the city. Nationally, we are losing more than 20 percent, according to last year’s report,” he said.

He noted that much of the water lost has already been treated at significant cost, undermining revenue collection and the sustainability of operations and maintenance.

“Revenue collection becomes unsustainable when treated water is lost through leakages and illegal connections,” he added.

While water service delivery is a devolved function under county governments, Mugaa emphasized that the national government continues to support counties through infrastructure investments and last-mile connectivity projects.

“The final delivery of water to households is a county responsibility, but that does not mean the national government does not support. Here in Nairobi, we are investing heavily in last-mile connectivity,” he said.

Diversifying Water Sources and Investing in Storage

To address supply deficits, the Ministry is pursuing diversification of water sources, including groundwater development and large-scale water harvesting.

“If we supplement our surface water with underground water resources, we can bridge the existing deficit,” Mugaa noted.

While the Cabinet Secretary defended the national government’s position on the matter, Joshua Irungu offered the county government’s perspective, emphasizing collaboration and local impact.

Governor Irungu noted that while national interventions are welcome, sustainable solutions must involve county administrations who understand the unique challenges on the ground.

“As a county, we appreciate the support from the national government. However, long-term success will depend on structured collaboration, adequate resource allocation, and meaningful engagement with local communities,” said Governor Irungu.

He added that Laikipia County remains committed to working closely with the relevant ministry to ensure that policies translate into tangible benefits for residents.

“Our priority is to safeguard livelihoods while promoting development that is inclusive and sustainable. We are ready to partner with all stakeholders to achieve this,” he stated.

The Governor further called for structured intergovernmental consultations to prevent duplication of roles and to enhance accountability in project implementation.

He emphasized that dams will serve multiple purposes, including irrigation, domestic supply, and industrial use, thereby strengthening food security and economic growth.

A central feature of the policy is the “waste-to-value” concept, which aims to transform waste management into an economic opportunity.

“It is high time we stopped viewing fecal sludge and wastewater as just waste. From waste, we can generate electricity, produce fertilizer, and create employment,” Mugaa said.

He explained that treated wastewater can be reused for irrigation, while sludge can be processed into fertilizer or energy, contributing to a circular economy.

Currently, large-scale private investment in waste-to-energy remains limited. However, the CS noted that reforms to the Public-Private Partnership framework are being considered to include sanitation projects.

“This policy opens space for private investors to participate in sanitation and convert waste into value,” he stated.

Addressing concerns over disparities between water access and sanitation coverage, Mugaa clarified that statistics showing 16 percent sanitation coverage largely refer to sewer-based systems.

“When we talk about 16 percent, we are referring to sewer sanitation. But household sanitation, especially in rural areas, must also be counted,” he said.

He announced that one of the immediate steps under the policy will be to improve data collection to accurately capture sanitation coverage at household level.

“With the right data, we will be able to design programs that respond effectively to the sanitation needs of our people,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary concluded by urging collaboration among government agencies, counties, development partners, and the private sector.

“When there is no vision, people perish. Our responsibility is to plan for the future and that future depends on water security, proper sanitation management, and sustainable resource use,” Mugaa said.

The National Sanitation Management Policy is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance environmental protection, attract investment, and position Kenya as a continental leader in sustainable sanitation governance.