james wika 
Davis & Shirtliff Group CEO George Mbugua.
- Davis & Shirtliff calls for increased investment in water projects to prevent conflicts,boost food security and mitigate climate change effects;
As the world marked World Water Day, leading water and energy solutions provider Davis & Shirtliff has said collaboration between the public and the private sector will continue to play a crucial role in ending extreme poverty and disparities that have often led to conflict in arid and semi-arid areas in Kenya and other parts of Africa.
The firm has urged development partners and governments to escalate investment in water projects in drought-prone regions to prevent conflicts and foster peaceful coexistence among communities and help achieve sustainable development through technology, food security, climate change response and improvement of livelihoods through job creation and economic activities.
“Counties in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas (ASALs) often experience perennial conflict occasioned by the absence or scarcity of this precious resource. However with investments in key water infrastructure and effective management, water will serve as the ultimate pathway for prevention of conflict, peacebuilding and economic success,” said Davis & Shirtliff Group CEO George Mbugua.
With targeted mapping out of all water infrastructure and deployment of technology it is becoming easier to move communities and the nation at large from rain-fed agriculture.
“Even during rainy seasons, we know that in no time the water comes and goes leaving communities in arid and semi-arid regions back to the drawing board.But with the globally decreasing cost of solar PV modules and recent technological advances, solar installations are becoming increasing popular for remote sites in Kenya and beyond, helping expand water access in every part of the country,” Mr. Mbugua added.
The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) has issued warnings that more than 2 million people from 23 ASAL counties, including Mandera,Wajir, Isiolo,Tana River, Garissa,Turkana,Marsabit,Samburu, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Kajiado, Meru, Makueni, Kitui, Laikipia,Narok, Baringo,Nyeri,and West Pokot,are facing food and water insecurity due to inadequate rainfall and residual effects of the 2021-2023 drought.
According to the 2023 State of Africa Environment report, compiled by India’s Centre for Science and Environment in collaboration with Kenya’s Media for Environment, Science,Health, and Agriculture (MESHA), critical water basins across Africa are depleting due to unsustainable usage, becoming focal points for water competition and conflicts.
The report further warns that if the decline in natural capital, such as water basins, continues, approximately 1.5 billion Africans could face food insecurity by 2030, while a further 1.2 billion will be exposed to water pollution, heightening tensions between countries and communities that share water resources.
“More than 3 billion people worldwide depend on water that crosses national borders.Yet, out of 153 countries that share rivers, lakes, and aquifers with their neighbors, only 24 countries report having cooperation agreements for all their shared water,” noted Mr. Mbugua.
This call comes as D&S expands its presence, marking a significant milestone of over 100 branches across Africa. Recent expansions include the opening of new outlets in Kenya and Uganda, and the establishment of mega distribution centres in Tatu City and Zambia with the objective of ensuring access to clean and safe water for all.
In 2023, through its #ImprovingLives initiative, D&S implemented 46 sustainable water projectsimpacting over 210,000 individuals in West Pokot, Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Taita Taveta, and Kajiado Counties.The group’s initiative has so far reached more than 1.2 million across Kenya and other parts of Africa.
