Some human rights defenders and youth representatives in the Rift Valley have petitioned the National Assembly to allow extensive public participation on the Water (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The Bill, sponsored by Leader of the Majority Party and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, is currently before the House.
It proposes changes to the water sector, including the merger of the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority and the National Irrigation Authority.
The proposed amendments seek to have irrigation and water harvesting functions managed under a single national authority.
However, the petitioners, led by Kimutai Kirui, want Kenyans to be given an opportunity to present their views through extensive public engagement before the Bill is considered further.
Kirui said consultation would help Kenyans and other stakeholders understand the possible implications of the proposed changes.
“The water sector is critical and any changes must be undertaken with the input of all stakeholders. It is crucial to ensure the interests of the farming community and the public are safeguarded before the Bill is passed into law,” Kirui said.
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Kirui, who is also the executive director of Centre Against Torture, called on the Senate and the Council of Governors to participate in reviewing the proposed legislation.
The petitioners said agriculture is a devolved function under the Constitution and argued that county governments have roles in water infrastructure development and irrigation.
“The counties have a huge stake and say in the water and agriculture sectors, hence the need for them to be properly involved in consultations on the proposed law,” Kirui said.
Kirui urged governors, senators, farmers’ organisations and other stakeholders to follow the Bill’s progress and participate in public forums.
The human rights defenders and youth representatives said they had prepared a memorandum containing recommendations and concerns on the Bill, which they intend to submit to Parliament for consideration.
In the memorandum, the petitioners argue that the proposed merger could create an institution with a broad mandate and could affect the management of irrigation as an agricultural function.
They have also called for reforms that uphold devolution, promote accountability, support equitable allocation of resources and strengthen stakeholder participation in decision-making.
Juma Akumu, another human rights defender, said public participation should provide stakeholders with an opportunity to contribute to the final legislation.
“This Bill affects millions of Kenyans, particularly farmers who depend on irrigation for their livelihoods. Parliament must ensure stakeholder engagement through an inclusive and meaningful public participation process so that every concern is considered,” Akumu said.
The Bill will undergo public participation, during which Kenyans will have an opportunity to submit their views.
Kirui said the process should provide meaningful engagement with stakeholders.
Youth representative Brian Francis opposed the proposed merger, saying it could affect employment opportunities for young professionals working in the water and irrigation sectors.
