MINISTRY OF WATER AND SANITATION

TALKING POINTS BY WINNIE GUCHU, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF WATER & SANITATION DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE 1ST KENYA NATIONAL DAM CONFERENCE HELD AT FLAMINGO BEACH RESORT AND SPA, MOMBASA ON 8^TH MARCH, 2018

Hon. Simon Chelugui,

Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Water and Irrigation

Mr. Keriako Tobiko,

Cabinet Secretary,

Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources

Hon Ali Hassan Joho,

Governor, Mombasa County,

 Other Chief Administration Secretaries present

The Principal Secretaries

 Hon Dr. Julius Kones,

Chairman,

National Water Conservation & Pipeline Corporation

Other board Chairpersons and Board of Directors

Dr. Eng. Ali Hassan,

Ag, Managing Director,

National Water Conservation & Pipeline Corporation

Other Chief Executive Officers

Senior Ministry of Officials

Members of the Press,

 May I take this opportunity to thank the organizers of the 1^st Kenya National Dam Conference which is bringing us together in seeking solutions to the water challenges we face as a country.

I am informed that the conference will provide a perfect forum to exchange ideas, and experiences in matters relating to water resources infrastructure.

I want to congratulate National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation for coming up with this brilliant idea that has brought us together in seeking solutions to the water challenges we face as a country. I am sure all of you are aware of HE. The President’s order that from now henceforth, it will not be business as usual rather it will be business unusual. The Ministry Headquarters, under the leadership of our Cabinet Secretary will lead by example. Several policies to steer the water sector going forward are at various stages of development.

Planning and development of projects like Dams is critical in sector management to attain its objectives. The country as you may be aware, is behind schedule in the achievement of universal access to water. We also need to remember that local initiatives need to be supported so as communities can be assisted to contribute towards embracing household water harvesting and storage. 

I also thank all the partners and sponsors who have worked with National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation to ensure this conference is a success. As the parent ministry, we encourage more of such forums that will improve on our individual and collective service delivery.

I want to particularly single out the conference theme: “Synergy in Water Resources Infrastructure for Water Security.” For a long time we have worked as individual entities in the water sector and we have made progress in improving access to water. However, by teaming up we can achieve more.

I am proud to see a team of dedicated professionals who have come together for a worthy cause. As you identify the challenges of water insecurity and seek solutions, remember that we have to act fast to mitigate against the effects of drought and floods. As the experts, implementers and policy makers, the mwananchi is looking up to us to provide sustainable solutions to water challenges we face.

I wish to inform you that going forward, we shall intensify field visits to ensure that we are improve on the visibility on how we discharge our mandate as ministry, as we in the Water Sector have to be in the forefront in enabling the Government’s implementation of the BIG 4 Agenda of development.

Thank You and God Bless.