Water Acts are legislative frameworks that govern the management, conservation, and regulation of water resources to ensure sustainable access and use. These laws establish the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including government agencies, water service providers, and the public, in safeguarding water resources.

Water Act 2016

The Water Act of 2016 was a significant reform in water resource management, aimed at aligning the sector with the constitutional framework and decentralization principles. It introduced key provisions such as:

• Establishment of Institutions: The Act provided for the formation of regulatory and management bodies, including the Water Resources Authority (WRA) for water resource management and the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) for service regulation.

• Decentralization of Water Services: It transferred responsibility for water service provision to county governments while ensuring national oversight.

• Water Use & Conservation: It set guidelines for water permits, resource conservation, and protection of catchment areas.

• Consumer Protection & Tariff Regulation: It outlined the rights of consumers to quality water services and established mechanisms for dispute resolution.

Water Act 2024

The Water Act of 2024 builds upon the 2016 framework while addressing emerging challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and digital transformation in water governance. Key enhancements include:

• Strengthened Climate Resilience Measures: The Act integrates climate adaptation strategies to ensure sustainable water supply in the face of environmental changes.

• Improved Water Governance & Accountability: It refines institutional roles, ensuring better coordination between national and county governments.

• Technology-Driven Water Management: The Act promotes the use of digital tools and data analytics for efficient water allocation, monitoring, and service delivery.

• Community & Stakeholder Engagement: It enhances participatory water resource management by involving local communities and private sector partnerships.