September 2013: ‘Devolution in Kenya: Opportunities and Challenges for the Water Sector,’ a policy note released by the World Bank’s Water and Sanitation Program (WSP), discusses the implications of devolution for the provision of affordable, safe and sustainable water and sanitation services in Kenya.

The 2010 Kenyan Constitution devolved responsibility for water supply and sanitation services to the county level. Within this policy context, the note discusses, inter alia: transfer of functions from the national to the county level; the role of water companies and the national water regulator; revenue for recurrent and development costs, including operations and rehabilitation; water sector investments; and policy and legislation. The note cautions that, despite rapid devolution of functions to counties, including budgeting and implementation, a phased transfer of water functions and clear agreement on national and county government arrangements and roles is necessary.

To ensure a smooth devolution process, the note recommends county leadership focus on, inter alia: prioritizing on keeping water services running in the short-term; ensuring financial viability and sustainability; prioritizing access to water and sanitation, including improved access for the poor, as a key outcome; and delegating. It further recommends national water regulators play a role in measuring performance against agreed benchmarks and enforcing compliance. It also calls for reviewing various water service models and options, emphasizing the importance of accountability and effective management in improved water service delivery and legitimate county government.

The note includes boxes on: water service boards; county planning and budgeting priority tasks; the draft water bill; and relevant legislation. WSP is a multi-donor partnership to support the poor to gain affordable, safe and sustained access to improved water supply and sanitation services. [Publication: Devolution in Kenya: Opportunities and Challenges for the Water Sector] [WSP Website]