National Water Master Plan 2030 (Executive Summary).

The National Water Resources Master Plan of Kenya implements Kenya Vision 2030 with respect to water resources. Water is defined as an essential resource to support the development activities planned under Vision 2030. In order to achieve Vision 2030, the proper implementation system and planning of water resources management are essential to be able to cope with the increasing water demands of domestic, irrigation, industries, etc. while conserving the catchments’ sustainability. These new developments and global climate change require renewal of the National Water Master Plan in 1992. NWMP 2030 aims to present a framework for water resources development and management consistent with the country’s social and economic development activities.
NWMP 2030 aims to present a framework for water resources development and management consistent with the country’s social and economic development activities. In line with the National Water Policy 1999 and targets of the Kenya Vision 2030, the specific objectives of water resources development and management in the NWMP 2030 were set as follows: Specific Objectives for Water Resources Development - a) Allocation of water for the reserve, international obligation and inter-basin water transfer is kept to meet basic water needs and to protect water environment. b) Improved water and sanitation are available and accessible to all by 2030. c) Irrigation development is undertaken to the maximum within available water resources towards the national target in order to increase agricultural production. d) Livestock, wildlife and inland fisheries are provided with water in sufficient quantities. e) Hydropower development is undertaken to its maximum potential and as one component of multipurpose projects for effective use of water resources. f) Domestic and industrial water supply is ensured for 10-year probable drought and irrigation water supply for 5-year probable drought; Specific Objectives for Water Resources Management - a) All water resources are managed, regulated and conserved in an effective and efficient manner by involving the stakeholders, guaranteeing sustained access to water and equitable allocation of water while ensuring environmental sustainability. b) Human and economic damages by flood and drought are minimised to protect people’s lives and properties. c) Impacts on the natural environment by water resources development activities are minimised for protection of the natural environment. d) Organisational and institutional capacity of water resources management is strengthened at the national and regional level based on the national water policy.
NWMP 2030 covers six catchment areas which are management units of WRMA. The Components of the Plan are divided into Development Plans (Water Supply Development Plan, Sanitation Development Plan, Irrigation Development Plan, Hydropower Development Plan, and Water Resources Development Plan), Management Plans (Water Resources Management Plan, Flood and Drought Disaster Management Plan, and Environmental Management Plan) and an Institutional Strengthening Plan. The development plans and manage plans are prepared by catchment area, while the institutional strengthening plan requires a national-level action and therefore is not prepared by catchment area. The objective of environmental management in NWMP 2030 is to minimise the negative impact of the water resource development activities on the natural environment.