Date

2020-02-02

Summary

The formulation of the West Pokot County Water Resource Management Policy is anchored in the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which under Articles 43(d) and 69 guarantees every person the right to clean and safe water in adequate quantities and obligates both the national and county governments to ensure sustainable environmental and natural resource management. The policy is further guided by the Water Act, 2016, which provides the legal framework for water governance, protection, and regulation of water resources, as well as the County Governments Act, 2012, which empowers counties to develop and implement policies responsive to their unique environmental and socio-economic contexts. This initiative also aligns with the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, which assigns county governments the responsibility for water and sanitation services, including the development and regulation of water resources. Accordingly, West Pokot County derives its mandate to formulate this policy from these legal provisions to ensure equitable access, sustainable utilization, and effective governance of its water resources.

Concept Note

Date

2020-02-03

Summary

The public participation and stakeholder engagement process for the West Pokot County Water Resource Management Policy is grounded in the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which under Articles 10(2)(a) and 174(c) upholds public participation as a national value and principle of governance. The County Governments Act, 2012 (Sections 87–91) further mandates counties to facilitate meaningful involvement of stakeholders in the formulation of policies and plans affecting their communities. Additionally, the Water Act, 2016 emphasizes stakeholder inclusion in water governance and resource management to ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes. Therefore, the engagement process in West Pokot is legally guided to promote transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and ownership of the policy among all actors government agencies, community representatives, civil society, and private sector stakeholders.

Please indicate if gender review was done

Yes

If Yes or No, please provide a brief explanation (optional)

A gender review was conducted to ensure the policy promotes equitable access and participation of both men and women in water resource management. The review identified existing gender gaps in water access, decision-making, and benefit-sharing, and incorporated strategies to enhance women’s involvement in governance structures, capacity building, and community water initiatives. This aligns with the Constitution of Kenya (2010) Articles 27 and 56, and the National Gender and Development Policy, which advocate for gender equality and inclusion in all policy processes.

Date

2020-02-04

Summary

The drafting of the West Pokot County Water Resource Management Policy is legally anchored in the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which under Article 185 empowers County Assemblies to make laws necessary for the effective performance of county functions, including water and sanitation services as outlined in Part 2 of the Fourth Schedule. The Water Act, 2016 provides the legal framework for sustainable water governance and coordination between national and county institutions, while the County Governments Act, 2012 mandates counties to prepare and implement policies that reflect public needs and national values. Accordingly, the draft policy is developed within these legal provisions to provide a structured framework for sustainable water resource management, institutional coordination, and equitable service delivery across West Pokot County.

Draft Policy

Date

2020-02-09

Summary

The executive review of the West Pokot County Water Resource Management Policy is guided by the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which mandates the County Executive Committee under Article 183(1)(c) to provide policy direction and ensure implementation of county legislation. The County Governments Act, 2012 further empowers the County Executive to review, refine, and approve draft policies before submission to the County Assembly, ensuring alignment with county development priorities and national legal frameworks. Additionally, the Water Act, 2016 reinforces the role of county governments in overseeing water governance and promoting sustainable resource management. This stage ensures that the draft policy adheres to legal, technical, and institutional requirements before legislative consideration.

Draft Policy Review

Date

2020-02-10

Date

2020-02-11

Gazetted Policy