The Water Project’s Synergy with Western Kenya Government: A Model of Effective Collaboration

This week, I spoke with The Water Project’s (TWP’s) Regional Director Humphrey Buradi to learn more about how The Water Project interacts with the local government in Western Kenya. Over our many years of working in this region, we have built a strong partnership with local officials and offices. This relationship is key to bringing clean water to communities and making sure our water projects are sustainable. 

Project Identification and Development

Every water project begins by identifying and mapping existing and prospective water points, and this is typically where the relationship between TWP and local governments begins.

“We collaborate with the local government in many ways,” Humphrey said. “Through the offices of the area Chiefs, the local government plays a great role in helping us mobilize the community and identify community water points for mapping and development. The chiefs report to the Assistant County Commissioners (ACC’s) who are located at the sub-county offices. 

“The ACC’s play a big role in providing an enabling environment for TWP to operate in their areas. They ensure that TWP staff work without any interference from politicians or scrupulous government officials. 

“We have a Memorandum of Understanding signed between TWP and the National Government. This is a formal agreement or partnership that guides how parties engage with one another. 

“We share quarterly reports with the government. This makes them have confidence in the complementary work that TWP does in the region. We also collaborate in the planning and implementation of World Water Day, World Environment Day, and Global Handwashing Day celebrations.”

Conducting Water Quality Analysis

Before any water point installation, TWP needs to secure the right permissions. This is where the local government streamlines the process.

“We need to interact with the government before a water point’s installation,” Humphrey said. “We usually secure permission to drill from the Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA) before we commence [the] drilling of any borehole. WRA fast-tracks our application to ensure that we secure the permit faster than expected because of the great relationship TWP has with WRMA. 

“We also engage WRA to undertake pre-water quality analyses for springs before protection. This gives us the baseline information on the quality of water before a spring is protected.”

Government Support and Facilitations

The government’s support extends beyond permissions; it also helps create a conducive environment for TWP’s operations.

“The government provides great support to help us in our work,” Humphrey said. “The first support is the provision of an enabling environment for us to operate. The government has a very soft spot for TWP in Western Kenya. 

“We have smooth movement to and from our project operation area due to the good relationship we have with the traffic police in the region. The government also provides us with laboratory services where we undertake phisico-chemical and bacteriological water analysis after borehole drilling has been done. 

“The same government has taken responsibility for securing all TWP pumps in the region besides other water points from vandalism. The government through the office of the Commissioner occasionally launches our drilling activities or commissions our boreholes once they are equipped with the pump. This is a support that they offer TWP whenever we ask or when they make a surprise request based on the annual work plan we share with the Regional Commissioner.”

Recognition and Involvement in Water and Sanitation Forums

TWP’s efforts are recognized by the government, which ensures that TWP is included in important forums and committees.

“The government recognized [our] efforts in the region by ensuring that we [became] members of the WaSH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Stakeholders Forum in Kakamega and Vihiga County,” said Humphrey. “Through this platform, we can add value to water development discussions in both counties. 

“TWP was [also] appointed as a member of the Multi-Stakeholders Technical Committee that was set up to address the water and sanitation challenges that Mukumu Girls High School had last year where three students and one staff [member] lost their lives.”

Advocacy for Policy Changes

While providing clean water sources is our main focus, we have also pushed for policy updates when necessary.

“In our work, we advocate for law or policy changes, especially the Water Act 2019 for Kakamega County. There is a need to consider drilling services in institutions within Kakamega municipality and towns within Kakamega County that don’t have piped water.”

Endorsements from Local Leadership

All of this collaboration has led to an overwhelmingly positive response from government officials, like Governor Wilber Ottichilo of Vihiga County. When we interviewed him last year, he had this to say about our relationship:

“The Water Project program, I would say, has played a major, crucial role in our county. And I would say The Water Project is our premium partner in this endeavor of providing water to our people. I’m grateful, on behalf of the people of Vihiga, to The Water Project program. I think they have done a commendable job. It’s so evident that the partnership that is existing between The Water Project and the county government is strong, and we believe that it’s going to last for so many years.

“The Water Project have never come to impose themselves [on] our county. They have come to us, and we have sat down, and we have agreed on our priorities. Normally, many other development partners come, and they decide what they want, and in many cases, they don’t even involve the leadership. But in terms of The Water Project, they came to this office, so they engage the highest decision maker in the county. So, it’s been a consultative effort.

“The Water Project also engages the community. Our main principle of county government is public participation, engaging people in the decision-making process. I’m very happy that The [Water] Project has been very instrumental to ensure that they do public participation before the project is implemented. So that means there is ownership of the project when they leave. The project should be owned by the recipients, who are the community.”

The partnership between The Water Project and local governments in Western Kenya is a testament to how effective collaboration can lead to sustainable and impactful development. By working closely with government officials and ensuring community involvement, TWP not only provides clean water but also empowers local communities and reinforces governance structures. This synergy ensures that the benefits of TWP’s work are long-lasting and well-integrated into the fabric of local society.