Committee chair Bowen Kangogo team….Photo/IP
By IP Reporter
NAIROBI
Kenya’s National Assembly has directed the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation to suspend new development projects and prioritise completion of ongoing ones, citing limited fiscal space.
The decision followed scrutiny by the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation. Committee chair Bowen Kangogo said lawmakers were concerned about stalled dams, boreholes and irrigation schemes across counties.
Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa defended the ministry’s expansion plans but acknowledged funding gaps.
Development and Service Delivery Effects
The directive is expected to slow the rollout of new water and irrigation projects, particularly in rapidly growing urban centres and arid regions that face chronic shortages.
Counties awaiting approval for fresh schemes may experience delays in expanding clean water access.
However, legislators argue the move could improve accountability and ensure faster completion of incomplete projects, reducing waste and preventing cost overruns.



