Water Sector Boards Communication Support and Preparation of Communication Strategy

The Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) has been undertaking fundamental reforms in the water sector, supported by the Kenya Water and Sanitation Programme (KWSP). The reforms are the single biggest change in the water sector and will have significant implications on the manner in which water resources and service are managed. As a result they bear the potential for generating both political and social resistance if they are not well understood and accepted.

In view of this, the MWI developed the National Communication Strategy on Water Sector Reforms to guide communication as a cross-cutting issue among all components and institutions involved in the reforms. The overall objectives of the strategy are to increase awareness, improve knowledge and build support of water sector reforms among key stakeholders; and promote positive water and sanitation management and conservation practices among all key stakeholders.

The assignment was carried out in support of the Rural Water Service and Sanitation component of the KWSP. Support was specific to the Rift Valley Water Service Board (RVWSB) and was provided on a demand basis. The overall objective was to follow up on the National Communication Strategy and the specific objectives were to increase awareness, improve knowledge, build support of water sector reforms among key stakeholders, and to promote positive water and sanitation management practices among all key stakeholders.