Water Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui has warned that bad use of River Nile water might cause conflict in Nile River basin.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Senior Deputy Secretary in the Water department Teresa Wasike during the 13th Nile Day celebrations at Amagoro Primary School in Busia, the CS said all countries that share the Nile should use water well.
“There is need to integrate the political goodwill, economic and social institutions in order to achieve equitable utilization and minimization of potential risks of conflicts, and to ensure sustainability of water resources,” he said.
The CS said the Nile River Basin is a trans-boundary resource shared by 11 countries having different and sometimes conflicting interests.
“This shared and scarce resource has significant impact on socio-economic and wellbeing of African people. The Nile River promotes poverty alleviation, stimulates economic growth and environmental degradation,” said the CS.
The theme for the 13th Nile Day celebrations was “NBI@20, STRONGER TOGETHER,”
The celebrations came at a time when Nile basin countries including Kenya have agreed on a “Shared Vision”.
However, Chelugui also said the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) has brought great harmony across the borders, thus becoming a pillar towards regional peace and integration.
He said the NBI has provided Kenyans with boundless unique opportunities for cooperation.
“it has also seen 11 member states initiate and implement joint investments through subsidiary action programs which have enhanced livelihoods, market integration and trade, movement of labor and preservation of and protection of ecosystems,” he said.
Busia Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi thanked the NBI, National Government and other development partners for initiating several water projects in Busia County.
He said once completed, the projects will help address water challenges in the county.
Mulomi thanked NBI for picking Busia County to host the celebrations saying the County Government has many plans to help supplement the national government’s efforts to provide residents with clean and safe water.