Inter-governmental Consensus Events on water reforms

Inter-governmental Consensus Events on water reforms Articles 6 and 189 of the Constitution of Kenya and the Intergovernmental Relations Act No. 2 of 2012, encourages consultation between National Government (NG) and County Government (CG). The consultations are on sectoral issues of common interest to foster better inter-governmental cooperation, coordination and mutual support.  To realize national stability, harmony and economic prosperity, inter-governmental relations consultations were prioritized. The provision of water services is a function of the County Governments, Water Resources management is by and large a National Government function. The goal of the fora was to enhance collaboration and information sharing on the water sector in line with Article 189 of the Constitution of Kenya, initiate dialogue on capacity building support needs for institutions and water sector officers for the successful realization of reforms, promote stakeholder participation in water sector related functions and service delivery in the context of devolution and enhance monitoring, evaluation and public reporting on water sector activities for progressive realization of achieving right to water and sanitation. The first phase of seven number (7No.) consensus building events between National Government and County Governments covered 46 Counties.  The counties were clustered based on an understanding reached during a meeting convened by the Ministry of Devolution and Planning at the Kenya School of Government on 26th/27th August, 2013, which was to initiate the process of establishing sectoral consultative fora. It was agreed that the then Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources be the  lead agent in convening Environment, Water and Natural Resources Sectoral consultative fora. The then MWI established the Intergovernmental Consultation and Reforms Committee (ICRC) and internally launched its operations on 9^th October, 2014. The 1^st round of consensus building event was conducted between May and June, 2015. Four (4)consensus events were organized and involved 28 counties spread across 4 county clusters of Upper Eastern (Embu), North Rift (Eldoret), South Rift (Kericho) and Western (Kisumu). West Pokot County did not participate in the events despite invitation.  The 2^nd round of consensus building event was conducted in August, 2015. Two consensus events involving 8 counties of Central (Nyeri) and Lower Eastern (Machakos) were involved.  The 3^rd round of consensus building event was conducted in February, 2016. One consensus event involving 10 counties for Coast, Nairobi and North Eastern (Malindi) was conducted. The Intergovernmental Consultation and Reforms Committee (ICRC) planned and led the rolling out of the seven consensus events. The participants who attended the consultative events were delegations drawn from the water sector at the National Government and County Government in the county cluster regions.  350 county level water sector stakeholders participated. 350 county level water sector stakeholders participated. The objectives of the consensus building events were to :

1. Enhance collaboration and information sharing on the water sector in line with Article 189 of the Constitution of Kenya.
2. Initiate dialogue on capacity building support needs for water institutions and water sector officers for the subsequent successful realization of reforms.
3. Promote stakeholder participation in water sector related functions and service delivery in the context of devolution.
4. Enhance Monitoring, Evaluation and public reporting of water sector activities – (for progressive realization of achieving right to water and sanitation).

  The first phase of seven (7) Consensus building events between National Government and County Governments covered forty six (46) counties. The fora participants in attendance can be classified into the following public office cadres and institutional categories:

• County Executive Member for Water
• County Public Service Board (CPSB)
• County Water Department Chief Officers
• County Water Directors.
• Sub-County Water Officers.
• Water Service Providers (WSPs)
• Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA)
• Regional Development Authorities (RDAs)
• Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB)
• Water Services Boards (WSBs)

Areas for Strengthening Collaboration Between The National Government And County Governments The following areas were proposed by the forty six (46) counties as possible areas for strengthening collaboration between the National Government and County Government in water sector issues. They are not prioritized in any order.

1. Management of natural resources including those along county borders
2. Upgrading and development of water and sanitation infrastructure facilities
3. Capacity building in both institutional and human development aspects
4. Development and rolling out of a water sector information management system including design software, tools and equipment
5. Formulation of policy, legal and institutional framework and legislation
6. Standardization of water sector monitoring and evaluation
7. Resource mobilization for water infrastructure development
8. Establishing and strengthening of intergovernmental water sector stakeholders fora
9. Strengthening water service provision
10. Dissemination of information and sharing of reports
11. Water projects and programs identification, formulation, implementation and development
12. Water sector asset and technology transfer

      In line with the objectives of the consensus building events the following results were realized:

Members of the Inter-governmental Consultation and Reforms Committee (ICRC) Out of the consensus forums the counties came out with the following suggested areas for further strengthening :-