Shifting focus to household/community water projects from large dams

The Kenya Kwanza government promised to shift focus from large dams to household/community water projects, with emphasis on harvesting and recycling.

Progress includes the initiation and completion of numerous borehole, water pan, and small-dam projects across various counties, often implemented in partnership with county governments. This approach emphasizes water harvesting and local infrastructure development to increase household access to water and support small-scale irrigation.
The Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, also launched its strategic plan for the years 2023-2027 as a base upon which the Ministry will accomplish its broad mandate including but not limited to Water Harvesting. The Strategic plan, however, highlights that the country lacks adequate water harvesting and storge infrastructure. It also aims to promote Water and sewerage development, expansion access and coverage through treated wastewater reuse, recycling and other value-addition initiatives within the ASAL.
The Ministry of Water and Sanitation kicked off a programme dubbed Maji Nyumbani to roll out 10,000 water projects that will complement mega infrastructure projects in several parts of the country.
The Kenya Pipeline Company has led various community-based water projects in Nakuru and Makadara so far, in support of the promise.
In November 2025, the government commissioned Phase I of the Kimatkei–Kipkoil Community Water Project in Nandi, targeting improved water access for more than 4,000 households and providing last-mile connections to households and institutions.
In 2025, the government developed Water (Harvesting and Storage) Regulations, alongside water-services and water-resources regulations, providing a regulatory framework for water harvesting and storage.
From of February 2026, the Subuiga communities is also benefiting from reliable access to water following the completion of the Subuiga Dam Community Water Project spearheaded by Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in partnership with Kisima Farm and the Ngarenythig Water Resources Users Association (WRUA) to reduce water scarcity.

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This Promise Tracker is an independent civic-accountability tool designed to monitor and document the progress of public commitments made by the Government of Kenya. Information presented on this platform is compiled from publicly available sources including government publications, parliamentary records, policy documents, and credible media reports. The classifications used in this tracker represent an evidence-based assessment by the platform’s researchers and should be understood as analytical judgments rather than official government determinations. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and regular updates, the status of promises may evolve as new information becomes available. This website is not affiliated with or operated by the Government of Kenya.

Last updated: August 30, 2026 3:32 am