• On March 4, 2026, the Principal Secretary (PS) State Department for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir dispatched the National Organizing Committee (NOC) to oversee logistics.

Meru County is preparing to host Kenya’s official World Water Day 2026 celebrations on March 22, 2026 at Mwerongundu Primary School, Igembe North. The Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation has confirmed the event on its official X account.

This year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” underscores safe drinking water and sanitation as fundamental human rights and vital drivers of gender equality. The celebration aligns with SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG 5 (gender equality), aiming to raise awareness of water challenges while promoting women’s inclusion in water management.

Local Preparations and Leadership

On March 4, 2026, the Principal Secretary (PS) State Department for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir dispatched the National Organizing Committee (NOC) to oversee logistics.

The team met Deputy County Commissioner Martin Muhia, who pledged to strengthen security. Josephat Waweru, Acting Director of National Water Resources, thanked members for their dedication and urged them to take their responsibilities seriously.

Read More

  1. Ruto Renames Estate, Funds Arts to Cement Ng’eno’s Legacy
  2. High Court Lifts Ban on National Infrastructure Fund Amid Opposition Fury
  3. Why Wilson Airport Is Nairobi’s Neglected Safety Crisis

Preparations will culminate in a final meeting at the Governor’s office on March 21, 2026.

The Ministry notes that the day is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis.

“A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030,” said the Ministry.

UNESCO’s Global Perspective

Globally, World Water Day is observed every 22 March to spotlight freshwater and sanitation challenges. Despite progress, women and girls still shoulder most water‑related responsibilities and remain underrepresented in water governance.

To mark the occasion, UNESCO’s World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) will host a symposium in Venice, Italy, on 23 March 2026 under the theme “Water and Gender – Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”

The event will launch the UN World Water Development Report 2026 (WWDR 2026), presenting key findings, amplifying women’s leadership, and fostering cross‑sector dialogue to accelerate progress on SDG 6 and SDG 5.

Participation and Impact

Stakeholders from national and county governments, civil society, and local communities are expected to join the Meru celebration. The event will highlight the link between water access, gender equality, and sustainable development, while promoting action for inclusive and resilient water systems.

Stay connected with us on WhatsApp and Facebook for instant updates and breaking news as it happens.