Kenya's Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has directed water sector institutions to act firmly against major inefficiencies, including non-revenue water use. He gave the orders during a meeting with State Department for Water officials on April 9, 2026. The move forms part of the government's wider reforms to enhance service delivery.
Felix Koskei, Head of Public Service, spoke at a meeting attended by principal secretaries, board chairpersons, chief executive officers, and senior officials from national and county water institutions.
He focused on high non-revenue water levels, which is water produced but unpaid for due to leakages and illegal connections. "I have directed institutions to confront persistent operational gaps that continue to undermine service delivery. These include high non-revenue water caused by leakages and illegal connections," Koskei stated.
He added that weak maintenance culture, intermittent supply despite systems in place, and sanitation management gaps must be addressed. "Citizens expect water to flow reliably, sanitation systems to function, and service providers to respond promptly," he emphasised.
The directive comes amid rising water shortages across Kenya, particularly in Nairobi where many households rely on piped water. Koskei noted water and sanitation are vital for public health, economic productivity, and human dignity.
