Taita Taveta, Kenya – The county of Taita Taveta is on the brink of introducing a digital water resource management system, a collaborative effort with USAID-STAWI and mWater, aimed at addressing the persistent water shortage in the region. This development was revealed during a stakeholders meeting at the Voi offices of the County Executive Member for water, sanitation, environment, climate change, and natural resources, Grantone Mwandawiro.

According to Kenya News Agency, Annie Feighery, the digitalization of the county’s water resources is expected to be a significant step towards solving the severe water shortage caused by inefficient management and inadequate infrastructure. Feighery emphasized that the success of the project hinges on local involvement in the entire process. The primary goal of the digitization is to streamline water management, ensuring a reliable supply for both commercial and domestic purposes. Mwandawiro assured the full support of the county government, particularly his department, acknowledging the project as a timely intervention.

In a report released in July by Taita Taveta County water and sewerage company, Tavevo, it was disclosed that the county loses approximately Sh19 million monthly due to non-revenue water and infrastructure vandalism. About 36 percent of the water produced is unaccounted for, attributed to theft, vandalism, unpaid bills, and illegal connections. Additionally, climate change has exacerbated the water crisis, with notable drops in water levels in Lake Jipe and Lake Chala.

The county also faces challenges with rampant siltation in man-made dams, particularly Kishenyi Dam in Werugha, Taita Sub-County, affecting over 15,000 residents dependent on it. However, the upcoming water digitization project, along with a proposed Sh 3.5 billion water project funded by USAID through the STAWI initiative, offers hope. The initiative is set to benefit 750,000 residents in Taita Taveta and eight other arid and semi-arid counties.