Key elements of good water governance include transparent decision-making processes, the involvement of all stakeholders in decision-making, the establishment of clear rules and regulations, the provision of adequate financing, and the use of science and data to inform decision-making. Effective water governance is critical to ensuring water security, protecting ecosystems, and promoting sustainable economic development.
The governance category will have four sub-categories; integrity, accountability, participation, ans transparency
Integrity in the water and Water Resources Management (WRM) sectors refers to the principles of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in the management of water resources. Integrity is essential for promoting the efficient, equitable, and sustainable use of water resources and for building trust among stakeholders.
Ensuring integrity requires the establishment of clear rules and regulations, the promotion of transparency in decision-making, and the accountability of water managers and users. This can be achieved through the use of monitoring and evaluation systems, the adoption of ethical standards, and the involvement of civil society and other stakeholders in decision-making processes.
Ensuring integrity also requires addressing corruption and other forms of unethical behavior that can undermine the effective management of water resources. Strengthening integrity in the water and WRM sectors is critical to achieving sustainable development goals and promoting the equitable and sustainable use of water resources.
This will be further broken down into specific policies such as the National Water policy 2021 or the Kajiado and Kiambu Water Policies. It will then include knowledge products such as the county policy development guide.
This will be further broken down into specific laws such as Water Act 2002 & 2016. It will then include knowledge products such as the CSO position paper &citizen version of these laws.
These will include knowledge products under water services regulations, water resources regulations, and water harvesting & storage regulations among others.
- Water allocation policies and regulations
- Water allocation and management in urban areas.
In the water and water resources management (WRM) sectors, accountability refers to the responsibility of individuals, organizations, and governments to be answerable for their actions and decisions related to water management. It involves transparency in decision-making processes, effective communication with stakeholders, and the ability to demonstrate compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Accountability also encompasses the obligation to ensure equitable and sustainable access to water resources, and to be accountable for the environmental and social impacts of water- related activities. Effective accountability mechanisms can help to build trust among stakeholders, promote good governance, and support the long-term sustainability of water resources.
- These could include Monitoring & Compliance Tools such as:
Participation in the water and Water Resources Management (WRM) sectors refers to the involvement of all stakeholders, including water users, local communities, civil society organizations, and other relevant groups, in decision-making processes related to the management of water resources
Participation is essential for promoting equitable and sustainable water management, as it ensures that the needs and priorities of all stakeholders are taken into account. Meaningful participation requires the provision of information, capacity building, and the creation of opportunities for dialogue and engagement. By involving stakeholders in decision-making, participation can lead to more effective and socially acceptable solutions, improved water governance, and increased public awareness and support for sustainable water management.
This will include knowledge products related to laws on the sector’s public participation including the 2010 constitution of Kenya, the Water Act 2002, and county-specific laws such as the Laikipia County public participation act 2014 or the Kiambu Water policy. The knowledge products will include the popular versions of the act and the county policy development guide.
County public participation guidelines
Transparency in the water and water resources management (WRM) sectors refers to the openness and accessibility of information related to water management decisions and processes. It involves making information on water resources, allocation, use, and management readily available to stakeholders, including the public, and ensuring that these stakeholders are informed and engaged in decision-making processes.
Transparency also includes providing clear and timely communication about water-related policies, regulations, and standards. Transparent water management practices can help to build trust among stakeholders, promote good governance, and support the equitable and sustainable management of water resources.
- National climate change act 2016; memorandum on the nomination of members of the climate change council
