Athi Water Works Development agency ranked second best parastatal

Athi Water Works Development Agency. [Courtesy]

The Athi Water Works Development Agency has been ranked the second-best parastatal in the country.

According to a Kenya Trak Research Survey on parastatal performance, the agency came second in accountability and good governance after the National Irrigation Authority.

Remarking on the achievement, the Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Joseph Kamau emphasised that the agency remains dedicated to driving progress in the water and sanitation sectors with the mandate of ensuring water security for Nairobi and surrounding areas.

"We remain committed to the resolve to building sustainable infrastructure that improves the quality of life for millions, safeguards the environment, and contributes to the country's socio-economic growth," said Eng. Kamau.

"As a government agency committed to service delivery for the people, we are aiming to increase water coverage for Nairobi residents from the current 76per cent to 85per cent by 2027."

Notably, the agency has played a key role in the water and sanitation sectors and has delivered transformative projects, including multi-billion bulk water supply projects like the Northern Collector Tunnel and Karimenu II Dam and other initiatives focused on enhancing last-mile connectivity.

The agency came second with a 72.8 per cent approval rating, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) was ranked third with 71.1 per cent while National Environment Management Authority (Nema) came forth with 70.9 per cent.

The survey was conducted between July 14 and August 31 this year on a total of 10,801 respondents.

Out of the respondents interviewed, 73.2 per cent of them expressed unwavering confidence in the operations of the water agency.

Generally, the survey indicated rising public trust in government agencies as the national government mulls privatisation of some of the parastatals.

So far, Kenya has 290 parastatals with 80 being commercial corporations.