Half of treated water never reaches consumers, PS Korir says

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Water and Sanitation PS Julius Korir during the commemoration of Africa Public Service Day 2026 at KICC on June 22, 2026. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

Kenya is accelerating water storage projects as officials warn that nearly half of treated water is lost before reaching consumers through leakages, illegal connections and billing gaps.

Speaking during an interview on Spice FM, on Tuesday, June 23, Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary Julius Korir said the government is expanding harvesting systems to capture seasonal rainfall and reduce recurring floods and drought cycles.

He noted that the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) has identified 50 dam projects aimed at boosting domestic supply, irrigation and industrial use.