From the Kenyan Blue Community KYWP – Kisumu Youth WASH Parliament:
Every year, counties spend billions on water projects. Every year, communities stay dry. The problem isn’t always money. It’s accountability. Here are 5 questions every citizen should be asking:
1/ Who decides how water projects are funded?
Your county is legally required to ensure water access is available to you through PUBLIC participation. If you’ve never been invited to that table, ask why. The Water Act 2016 gives you that right.
2/ How much of the county budget goes to WASH?
Open your county’s Annual Development Plan (ADP). Find the WASH line. Compare it to the need. If it’s buried or missing, that’s your answer. The Public Finance Management Act 2012 requires development spending. Water qualifies.
3/ Are young people involved in planning?
Ward-level ADP forums are open to everyone. No invitation needed. Young people will live with these decisions for 40+ years. We should be in the room.
4/ Which communities are still underserved?
Don’t trust the headline number. A county can report 60% water coverage, whereas entire wards have nothing. Find your ward in the CIDP. If it’s not named, ask your MCA. In writing.
5/ How are promises being monitored?
The Controller of Budget publishes quarterly reports. The Office of the Auditor General publishes annual audits. Both are public. Both are free. If water funds went unspent or got reallocated, someone owes you an explanation.
