TRANSFORMING WATER GOVERNANCE: INSIGHTS FROM MARY SIMIYU'S ACCOUNTABILITY FOR WATER RESEARCH
Mary Mariga Nanjala Simiyu, a trained teacher, is inspiring change in water governance in Kakamega County. Her journey from the classroom to the Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO) is inspiring. As their Customer Service Manager, she wears many hats - from handling gender issues to championing services to low-income areas through the Pro-Poor committee. She is also part of an international team sponsored by UN-Habitat, working tirelessly to improve water services in Kakamega County.
When she stumbled upon an advertisement for the Accountability for Water Program on social media, she dove in headfirst. Little did she know that this leap of faith would lead her to become one of just four researchers chosen in Kenya, out of 15 globally, to undertake ground-breaking research in water accountability.
Mary's research question was simple: How accountable are water companies to their consumers? Despite numerous communication channels, from customer charters to USSD codes, many community members were left uninformed about and underutilised these tools.
"Most community members prefer to walk into the company and have a face-to-face conversation to report their issues," Mary revealed. "They find it more convenient compared to making a phone call or using the USSD Code, which can be expensive." This preference for personal interaction speaks volumes about the gap between well-intentioned policies and real-world implementation.
But Mary's research was not just about uncovering problems - it was about finding solutions. She has been tirelessly working to bridge this gap, reminding consumers that quality water service is not a favour, but their right. Her efforts are already bearing fruits, with customers becoming more aware of their rights and confidently lodging complaints when needed.
The ripples of Mary's work are spreading far beyond Kakamega. As a member of the Water Service Providers Association (WASPA) Kenya, she has had numerous opportunities to present her findings at workshops and conferences. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with several water companies, including Kiambu Water and Sewerage Company, eager to take up recommendations from her research study.
Mary's vision for the future of water governance in Kenya is clear. She believes that empowering people with knowledge can increase demand for proper water services across all economic strata. "As citizens become more aware of their rights to water," she said, "it will help reduce corruption in the water sector, leading to more equitable and efficient service delivery."
Mary is a strong advocate of youth empowerment and commended KEWASNET for their efforts in youth empowerment through the youth WASH Parliaments.
“KEWASNET's efforts in youth empowerment, particularly through initiatives like the Youth Water Parliaments, are commendable. These platforms play a crucial role in addressing water-related issues in low-income areas. I firmly believe that through various interventions, we can empower young people to become effective advocates for themselves and their communities”, she concluded.
