Resource information
This Act provides with respect to water resources management and water and sanitation in Kiambu County. It establishes two Water Service Providers and defines functions of the Department of Water and Sanitation Services. The Act furthermore concerns, among other things: water services; sustainable management of water resources; water and soil conservation; storm water management; sanitation services; and pollution control. The Act consists of 59 sections divide into 9 Parts.The two Water Service Providers shall be registered as a company limited by share capital and shall be wholly owned by the county government. The County Executive Committee shall assign to each Water Service Provider the respective companies that it shall succeed and the sub-counties or area in which a Water Service Provider shall provide water and sanitation. A Water Service Provider shall report to the Executive Member responsible for water services. The Act sets out the functions of the Department of Water and Sanitation Services: It shall, among other things, develop policies and strategies; develop and manage county water and sanitation services infrastructure; issue permits. A Water Service Provider and the Department shall progressively ensure access to safe and clean water, accessible water for agricultural and industrial use, and equitable distribution of water. No person shall supply or provide water that does not comply with the standards developed under the relevant written laws. A community may initiate a project for water services with the approval of the Department.The Department shall, in consultation with National Land Commission and County Land Management board, declare an area to be a water conservation area for the purpose of conserving water. The Department may impose such conditions and requirements regulating or prohibiting certain activities in relation to such areas. The Act also concerns conservation of water catchments. The Executive Member shall, in collaboration with other entities, develop and implement policies and strategies for soil conservation and sustainable management of wetlands and shall prescribe rules for flood flow management and initiate community programs for managing flood flow. Certain activities, including cultivation and land clearing, on riparian land are prohibited. There shall be for each town or urban area, a watershed storm water management plan in accordance with the prescribed standards.The Department shall, in collaboration with other county and national government departments and local residents, prepare medium and long term sanitation services master plans. The Act discharge of contaminated water or effluent unless in accordance with the prescribed guidelines and standards. There shall be the Water Sector Stakeholder Forum and the Executive Member shall prescribe Rules governing water conflict resolution.
