Lokichar, 25th March 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The leadership of Turkana’s two main water utilities has pledged to adopt globally recognized governance frameworks to enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in water service delivery.
Led by their respective chairs, the boards of Turkana Urban Water and Sanitation Company (TUWASCO) and Turkana Rural Water and Sanitation Company (TURWASCO) have committed to implementing the various models including OECD Water Governance Framework and the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA).
The frameworks provide structured approaches to decision-making, financial management, partnership building, and policy formulation, which are essential in ensuring that water services reach more people consistently and safely.
The commitment by the boards is expected to have a direct impact on Turkana’s water access by addressing long-standing challenges such as erratic supply, contamination risks, and infrastructure maintenance gaps.
UNICEF emphasized that the performance based frameworks had gained global acceptance and are often used as criteria for determining support and assistance to water utilities striving to meet Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) goals.
The adoption of these models marks a shift from the traditional focus on infrastructure development alone to a broader approach that integrates governance as a key pillar of sustainable water management.
Speaking after the session, TUWASCO Board Chairperson Philip Aemun Ebei described the governance models as a long-overdue shift in water service management.
He noted that while infrastructure development—such as drilling boreholes, laying pipelines, and expanding storage facilities—had been the dominant focus, governance was equally crucial in ensuring sustainability.
“These frameworks will help us improve transparency, sustainability, and financial planning, ensuring that water supply is both reliable and affordable,” he said.
His counterpart at TURWASCO, Paul Merinyang, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the adoption of the frameworks would reinforce oversight and accountability.
“Our actions as water service providers directly impact the people of Turkana. If we fail in governance, it means families go without water or drink unsafe water. By adopting these frameworks, we are committing to better decision-making, stronger policies, and a water sector that serves the people effectively,” he stated.
The adoption of the frameworks will enhance planning and governance structures, reducing service disruptions and ensuring consistent access to clean water. Strengthened oversight mechanisms will also minimize the risk of contamination and improve compliance with safety standards.
The move is also expected to encourage the sector to explore new funding models beyond government and donor support, making water services more self-sustaining in the long run.
During the governance training, stakeholders were urged to envision Turkana’s water future over the next 20 years and take decisive steps toward building a resilient, well-managed water sector.
With TUWASCO and TURWASCO now pledging to integrate best practices in governance, the county moves closer to achieving equitable and sustainable water access for all.
The governance training, part of the process to prepare for performance contracting for the year 2025-2026, was supported by KOICA-UNICEF, Kenya RAPID+ proggram implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) through Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and TUWASCO funding.
