Why Water Sector Trust Fund is safe under Amb Dr, Khimulu, MBS
By Mourice Seretta
The Water Sector Trust Fund (WaterFund) is a Kenyan State Corporation under the Ministry of Water & Sanitation and Irrigation and established under the Water Act, 2016, with the mandate to provide conditional and unconditional grants to the Counties and to assist in financing the development of and management of water and sanitation services in the marginalised and underserved areas.
It previously existed as the Water Services Trust Fund prior to the repeal of the Water Act, 2002, which had established it.
We caught up with the Fund’s Chair Amb Dr Mary M. Khimulu at a function in Nairobi where she briefly told us that she is working to ensure that women need to be incorporated in matters water owing to the fact women are majorly the custodians of the commodity.
‘This is why I also want women to be in water policy making processes as pertains to water,’ she said.
She also said water needs to be assimilated in the country. The assimilative capacity refers to the natural ability of waters to dilute and disperse wastes and pollution without harm to the aquatic environment, and it has been adapted in the context of marine pollution (GESAMP 1986).
Amb Dr. Khimulu also alluded to the fact that she was the power behind the Water Security for Turkana, Kenya (WATSECT) whch she says was to ensure the people in the semi-arid region get acces to water.
The project proposed, envisages the provision of sustainable access to adequate, clean and safe water, to improve livelihoods and promote sanitation and personal hygiene of the target group of communities in Turkana county of Kenya.
This project is expected to provide the following results for the Turkana community:
An access for the target communities to safe, sustainable, reliable and well -managed water facilities and consequent improvement of livelihood. Critical mass of experts/community leaders trained in aspects of safe, sustainable and reliable provision of water.
Efficient operation of Eco-friendly-driven systems for lighting and water pumping in the target communities.
Implementation of M&E system and strengthening cooperation with other relevant departments.
The outcome of the project is contributing directly to SDG 6, “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” and indirectly to SDG 1 to end poverty, 2 to achieve food security, 3 to ensure healthy lives, 4 on inclusive education, 7 on sustainable energy, 13 to combat climate change and 15 to sustain biodiversity.
She also told us that she has high and great respect to the former President Mwai Kibaki.
‘I am grateful to The Third President for appointing me as an Ambassador. Thus to mention I played a major role to have him honoured with the support of Kenya Government. HE was UNESCO Special Envoy of Water in Africa for 2 terms that ended in 2021,’ Amb. Dr Khimulu said highly of the former head of state.
Amb. Dr. Khimulu holds a Doctorate degree in Human Behaviour and Leadership (Management). She established the Kenya Delegation Office to UNESCO in 2006 as the first full time Ambassador/Permanent Delegate of Kenya to UNESCO and served from February 2006 to September 2013.
While at UNESCO she served as President of the Group of Ambassadors from Eastern Africa, Africa and Commonwealth Countries. She was elected four times as one of the Vice Presidents during UNESCO General Conferences, and served in other UNESCO Committees during her tenure.
Amb. Dr. Khimulu has extensive Governance experience having served in Global, Regional and National Boards. These include Kenya Export Processing Zone Authority, Kenya Water Institute (KEWI), Founder Member of the Kenya Institute of Directors, United Bible Societies, Bible Society of Kenya (first woman to chair Kenya Bible Society Board), UNESCO Africa World Heritage Fund, Nairobi International School of Theology (now The International Leadership University), Amani Counselling Centre, Jesuits Refugee Services of Kenya, Skills for Southern Sudan and Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School. She also served as the Kenya Girl Guides Chief Commissioner, International Commissioner and Vice Chair.
Amb. Dr. Khimulu’s vast leadership and strong interpersonal communication are great additions to the WaterFund Board of Trustees.
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