Top government officials attend Watec Conference in Israel
Senior officials from the Kenya Government are attending the International Conference on Water Technologies & Environmental Control (Watec) conference in Tel Aviv Israel which started on Tuesday.
Among the top officials who attended the event are the Deputy President William Ruto, Eugene Wamalwa, Cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, National Water and Pipeline Corporation Managing Director Jacqueline Musyoki, officials from the Water Services Trust Fund
In his address, Kenya Deputy President William Ruto expressed the zeal by Kenyans to learn new technologies in the water sector. He said:
We are particularly keen to learn new methods of water management especially recycling, desalination & irrigation. pic.twitter.com/pF9zGVLaEI
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) October 13, 2015
Israel is known for its expertise in technology, especially in dealing with the drought conditions in the country in a bid to ensure adequate food production.
The DP added:
Africa and particularly Kenya is open and ready to adapt innovation and new technology to improve production. pic.twitter.com/CC12yy0GYB — William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) October 13, 2015
Eugene Wamalwa, Cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Water and Irrigation led a delegation of other officials for the week-long event.
Technology is the answer to water scarcity challenges n we are here to seek n embrace latest technology available. pic.twitter.com/iSsdiX8vVq
— Eugene L. Wamalwa (@EugeneLWamalwa) October 13, 2015
The conference brought together politicians, policy makers, researchers. government officials, business executives and experts in the water sector.
Wamalwa added:
Learning from the best in water and irrigation Technology at the WATEC 2015,Israel pic.twitter.com/eoV4ZVxVcn
— Eugene L. Wamalwa (@EugeneLWamalwa) October 13, 2015
Other delegates that attended the conference include the former Israel Prime Minister, Shimon Peres and Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Istifanus Musa.
Speaking during the conference, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said the conference offered an opportunity for the two countries to explore ways in which they could work together. He said: “We share many of the same uncertainties and vulnerabilities, of course. But these are more than just challenges – they are opportunities. Opportunities for Israel and Arizona to work with and learn from each other … to exchange and share information and ideas regarding water management planning that would provide a long-term mutual benefit to both regions.
Ducey added: “A partnership between Israel and Arizona is something I’m excited about pursuing. I can’t wait to bring back to Arizona everything I’ve learned from being here: the people I’ve met, the stellar policy experts and brilliant leaders, and the valuable information I’ve learned from all of them.”