The government has launched a nationwide public consultation process on proposed new rules that will govern the allocation and regulation of Kenya’s water resources in the coming years.

The move, announced through a notice by the Water Resources Authority (WRA), aims to update water allocation guidelines and permit thresholds in response to growing demand, climate change pressures, and the need for fairness and sustainability.

The new guidelines aim to address these realities by setting clearer rules on who can access water, how much they can use, and under what conditions.

According to the WRA notice issued on MyGov weekly review dated Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the review is grounded in its legal mandate under the Water Act and the Constitution, which requires public participation in major policy decisions. The authority says the proposed framework is designed to balance economic use with environmental protection, while ensuring equity among communities and sectors that depend on shared water sources.

“Water Resources Authority (WRA) is established under Section 11 of the Water Act (Cap. 372 Laws of Kenya). WRA regulates the management and use of water resources in the Country while ensuring fair and equitable allocation and apportionment of Kenya’s water resources for sustainable use,” Water Resources Authority stated

Modernising existing rules

The authority explained that the review is necessary to modernise existing rules and respond to emerging challenges:

“In order to achieve the objective of fair and equitable allocation and apportionment of the use of water resources in accordance with its legislative mandate, WRA has initiated a review of Guidelines for water resources allocation and Allocation Thresholds for Classification of Permits,” the notice reads

At the heart of the proposed changes is the need for clarity, especially for farmers, investors, community water projects, and county governments:

“The main objective of the proposed Guidelines and water use allocation Thresholds is to provide a clear framework for water use allocation thresholds to promote equity and sustainability,” the statement reads

Public Participation

The WRA has scheduled public participation forums across all major water basins, including the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria, Ewaso Ng’iro North, Tana, and Athi basins. These meetings will be held between February 9 and 13,2026 in towns such as Nakuru, Nanyuki, Kisumu, Kakamega, Embu, and Machakos, covering more than 40 counties. The authority stated that public input is not optional but a constitutional requirement.

“In accordance with Article 10 (2) (a) of the Constitution that highlights National Values and Principles of Governance, including public participation of the people, WRA hereby invites members of the public and stakeholders to various public participation forums on the proposed Guidelines and Allocation Thresholds for Classification of Permits,” the notice reads

Beyond physical meetings, Kenyans have also been given 30 days to submit written views and memoranda via email or hard copy. The outcome of the consultations is expected to shape how water is shared across regions, particularly during periods of scarcity, and how permits are issued in a way that avoids conflict while protecting rivers, lakes, and aquifers for future generations.