Kenya eyes climate-smart investments in water and sanitation sector

Water, Sanitation and Irrigation CS Eric Mugaa(2nd right), Water and Sanitation PS Julius Korir(right), Water Secretary Samwel Alima(3rd right) and Water and Sanitation Providers Association (WASPA) Chairman and Water Kisumu MD Thomas Odongo(2nd left) during the Kenya Water and Sanitation International Conference and Exhibition 2025 Pre-Conference in Nairobi on May 5, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Kenya is stepping up efforts to transform its water and sanitation sector with a sharp focus on climate resilience, digital innovation, and private investment ahead of the Kenya Water and Sanitation International Conference and Exhibition 2025.

The conference, themed "Innovative Financing Models, Technology and Innovations for Sustainable Pathways to Climate-Smart Water and Sanitation Solutions," will be held from June 23 to 27 at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort in Mombasa.

It aims to tackle Kenya's pressing water and sanitation challenges through bold financing models, fresh technologies, and strengthened governance.

Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, speaking at the pre-conference breakfast meeting in Nairobi on Monday, said the event comes at a pivotal time when the sector stands at the intersection of urgent need and transformative opportunity.

"As a ministry, we are resolutely committed to achieving Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal 6. This conference is a critical platform to align our strategies and investments with this vision," said the CS. He added that the Ministry has advanced bold reforms under the Water Act 2016 and is pushing the National Water and Sanitation Investment and Financing Plan (NAWASIP), which aims to mobilise Sh995 billion by 2030.

Mr Mugaa emphasised that public funding alone will not bridge Kenya's water financing gap.

"We are intensifying efforts to leverage Public-Private Partnerships, blended financing, green bonds, and climate funds such as the Green Climate Fund," he said.

"These models not only enhance efficiency but also bring in innovation, technology, and risk-sharing."

Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, the Council of Governors, and the County Government of Mombasa, the conference will convene experts, policymakers, researchers, development partners, private sector actors, and community organisations to shape a new path forward for Kenya's water and sanitation sector.

The conference will provide a platform to take stock of existing gaps in universal coverage, showcase innovative financing models, highlight cutting-edge technologies, and foster multi-stakeholder collaboration aimed at unlocking investments and building climate-adaptive water and sanitation systems.