The following excerpt is from a Global Waters article by Jim Peters, Deputy Assistant Administrator in USAID’s Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment and Acting Global Water Coordinator.
After the U.S. Government Global Water Strategy was published last November, I knew my first trip as USAID Acting Global Water Coordinator should be to Kenya. Why Kenya? Because the country is a perfect example of the direction we are taking with the new strategy.
The enthusiasm I witnessed during my trip last month confirmed it was the right choice. I was privileged to meet hundreds of dedicated Kenyans who are working to build their nation and improve lives.
Kenya is designated as one of 13 high-priority countries to implement the Global Water Strategy in 2018. While high levels of need persist, Kenya has real national and local political will to expand access to sustainable water and sanitation services. The country also benefits from an interested private sector, an environment that is conducive to donor collaboration, opportunities to access private sector resources, and the ability to make an impact on the lives of women and girls. This fits well with the new Strategy’s focus on saving lives, promoting economic growth, reducing conflict, and opening up international markets to U.S. technologies and expertise.
Having trouble accessing this episode? You can also stream this podcast by searching "Global Waters Radio" on iTunes, Google Play, or your preferred podcast platform.
For more information on topics, programs, or organizations related to this podcast:
- Kenya Shows How New Water Strategy Will Lead to Self-Reliance (USAID Global Waters Stories)
- U.S. Government Global Water Strategy
- USAID/Kenya
Global Waters Radio was a podcast series produced by the Water Team at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) from 2016 - 2020. The series offered listeners insights from USAID officials, development partners, thought leaders and experts from across the water sector as they discussed USAID water programming and cutting-edge research from around the world.
