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Full List of Water Works Development Agencies in Kenya: A Regional Breakdown and Overview

  • BY waceke
  • December 31, 2024
Athi Water Works Development Agency

Access to clean and safe water remains one of Kenya’s key developmental priorities. To address this, the Water Act of 2016 restructured Kenya’s water management sector, leading to the formation of Water Works Development Agencies (WWDAs). These agencies replaced the former Water Service Boards (WSBs), bringing a more streamlined and focused approach to water infrastructure and services.

This article offers a detailed exploration of the functions and regional jurisdictions of WWDAs, along with their contact details and contributions to Kenya’s water sector.

The Role of Water Works Development Agencies

WWDAs are semi-autonomous entities under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation. Their primary mandate is to oversee large-scale water and sanitation infrastructure, acting as a bridge between national and county-level governance in water management. They also serve as technical advisors and capacity builders for county governments and local water service providers.

Core Functions of WWDAs

  1. Development of Water Infrastructure
    WWDAs are tasked with designing and implementing major waterworks, including dams, water pipelines, and treatment plants.
  2. Temporary Water Service Providers
    While awaiting the transfer of management to county governments or local service providers, WWDAs serve as interim operators for essential water infrastructure.
  3. Reserve Water Capacity Management
    These agencies ensure backup water systems are in place to handle emergencies or surges in demand.
  4. Capacity Building and Technical Support
    They work closely with counties and water service providers to enhance technical skills and operational capabilities.
  5. Advisory Services
    WWDAs provide expert input to the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation to shape national water policies and strategies.

List of Water Works Development Agencies in Kenya

Kenya’s WWDAs are regionally organized to cover specific counties, ensuring localized water solutions. Below is a detailed list of these agencies:

1. Tana Water Works Development Agency (TWWDA)

  • Counties Served: Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi
  • Area Coverage: 17,189.7 km²
  • Population Served: ~3.9 million
  • Head Office: Maji House, Baden Powell Road, Nyeri
  • Contact:

2. Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA)

  • Counties Served: Nairobi City, Kiambu, and Murang’a
  • Head Office: Athi Water Plaza, Muthaiga North Rd. off Kiambu Road, Nairobi
  • Contact:

3. Coast Water Works Development Agency (CWWDA)

  • Counties Served: Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita-Taveta, Lamu, and Tana River
  • Head Office: Mikindani Street, Off Nkurumah Road, Mombasa
  • Contact:

4. Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency (LVNWWDA)

  • Counties Served: Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, Busia, Trans-Nzoia, and Nandi
  • Head Office: Kefinco House, off Kakamega-Kisumu Road, Kakamega
  • Contact:

5. Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA)

  • Counties Served: Bomet, Homa Bay, Kericho, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nyamira, and Siaya
  • Head Office: Lavictors House, Off Ring Road, Milimani, Kisumu
  • Contact:

6. Northern Water Works Development Agency (NWWDA)

  • Counties Served: Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo, Samburu, and Marsabit
  • Head Office: Maji House, Kismayu Road, Garissa
  • Contact:

7. North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency (NRVWWDA)

  • Counties Served: Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Turkana, and Elgeyo-Marakwet
  • Head Office: Office of the Auditor General Building, Furfural Road, Eldoret
  • Contact:

8. Tanathi Water Works Development Agency (TAWWDA)

  • Counties Served: Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, and Kajiado
  • Head Office: K.I.D.P Building, Along Kalawa Road, Kitui
  • Contact:

9. Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency (CRVWWDA)

  • Counties Served: Nakuru, Narok, Laikipia, Baringo, and Nyandarua
  • Head Office: Maji Plaza, Prisons Road, Off Eldama Ravine Highway, Nakuru
  • Contact:

Challenges Facing WWDAs

  1. Resource Limitations:
    Many agencies face funding shortages, hindering the development of essential water infrastructure.
  2. Impact of Climate Change:
    Droughts and erratic rainfall disrupt water supply, necessitating innovative approaches to resource management.
  3. Coordination with County Governments:
    Balancing national mandates with county-level needs can lead to delays in project implementation.
  4. Rising Demand for Water:
    Rapid urbanization and population growth have placed significant strain on water infrastructure.

Opportunities for Improvement

  1. Investment in Technology:
    Adopting digital solutions like smart meters and automated monitoring systems can boost efficiency.
  2. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
    Collaborating with private investors can provide the capital needed for large-scale projects.
  3. Community-Led Initiatives:
    Engaging local communities in water management fosters sustainable practices and builds trust.
  4. Renewable Energy for Water Systems:
    Using solar and wind energy to power water pumps can reduce operational costs and improve reliability.

Water Works Development Agencies are critical players in Kenya’s mission to ensure universal access to clean water and improved sanitation. By addressing challenges and embracing opportunities for growth, they can continue to provide transformative solutions for the nation. Stakeholders are encouraged to leverage these agencies’ expertise and resources for sustainable water management.

For further assistance or inquiries, reach out to your regional WWDA using the provided contact information. Working together, we can secure Kenya’s water future.