Given the trends in and impacts on groundwater abstraction in the Nairobi Acquifer Suite, the Water Resources Management Authority has developed a long term water resources management strategy in the Nairobi region based on water demand management actions, which entail awareness creation among users; irrigation demand management actions, which seek to limit commercial irrigation permits in certain areas and to make it a requirement to institute efficiency measures; catchment management; and, land use zoning to improve recharge and water quality.

WRMA (2010) has also prepared guidelines for assessment of applications for groundwater permits. Authorization to sink a borehole/replacement of abandoned well for domestic purposes in the city and environs will be granted to government departments/agencies entrusted with water supply, schools/ institutions/universities, hospitals, embassies, and authorized water service providers subject to some conditions, including (WRMA 2010): • The final installation shall be subject to recommended maximum pump motor size ratings;

• Concurrent with the construction of the borehole, the owner of the borehole shall undertake installation of rain water harvesting structures in the premises within 60 days of issuance of the authorization to drill and must confirm to WRMA for verification;

• Only one borehole is allowed for construction in the premises for domestic purposes. No authorization will be issued where a working borehole already exists;

• Construction of new boreholes to be authorized only where the potential for deeper aquifers exists and in such cases, all preceding aquifers to be sealed off;

• The person(s) intending to construct the borehole will inform WRMA/Catchment Area Committee 14 days in advance before construction commences, and furnish the name and address of the drilling company that will undertake the work; and

• No authorization shall be granted for construction of boreholes for agriculture, industrial, commercial, commercial irrigation, subsistence irrigation and construction purposes in notified areas.

INVESTMENT IN WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT Capital investment under the Water Act 2002 is vested in the Athi Water Services Board. The Board has plans to build two

dams at Maragua and Ruiru to cater for water demand to the year 2035. In its current Strategic Plan (2010/11–2014/15), the NCWSC has earmarked USD 4.5 million for activities geared towards increasing production and access to water through upgrading and expansion of water infrastructure. In addition, the company continuously carries out trial tests on new chemicals and technologies to achieve more cost effective production of water for the city.

LESSONS LEARNED AND MESSAGES TO GUIDE POLICY

• According to the 2009 population census, Nairobi accounts for 25 per cent of the total urban population in Kenya. This proportion is higher if the Nairobi Metropolitan Region’s population is taken into account. Due to the widening gap between water supply and demand, a comprehensive plan has to be developed to meet the water-needs of the city.

• The water sector reforms and interventions have improved water services in Nairobi, but these benefits are yet to trickle down to the urban poor households especially those living in the slums. The urban poor not only have access to less water, but they also pay more for the water. The NCWSC and other actors are making deliberate efforts to develop and implement a pro-poor strategy to provide better water and sanitation services to the urban poor.

• On the whole, the NCWSC has made notable achievements in providing water and sewerage services to Nairobi city even though the company is experiencing challenges such as managing old and dilapidated infrastructure; illegal connections; vandalism; inadequate capacity to manage the increasing demand for water; limited resources and high costs of operation and maintenance; local political interference; high debts and liabilities; lack of autonomy to do major investments; inequitable distribution of water; abuse of sewerage for farming with public health implications; discharge of industrial waste into the sewer network by industries and other consumers; and financial demands from riparian communities.

• The implementation of the long-term groundwater allocation strategy developed by WRMA will ensure continued availability and equitable supply of water to Nairobi and environs.

• The future of water services provision depends on reliable and updated data, as well as improved technology.

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