In a push to address Kenya’s persistent water access
and infrastructure issues, Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary
Eric Muuga has called on stakeholders to adopt modern technology and innovation
to transform the sector.
Speaking ahead of the Kenya Water and Sanitation
International Conference and Exhibition slated for June 23–27 in Mombasa, Muuga
emphasised the critical role that smart technologies and public-private
partnerships (PPPs) can play in enhancing water delivery, monitoring, and
conservation.
“Technology must be at the heart of our response to water challenges,” said Muuga.
“From reducing Non-Revenue Water to enhancing
procurement transparency, we are creating an enabling environment for private
sector investment through innovative PPP models, green bonds, and blended
finance mechanisms.”
The CS also highlighted the government's
ambitious Sh995 billion National Water and Sanitation Investment and
Financing Plan (NAWASIP), which aims to achieve universal water and sanitation
coverage by 2030.
Key reforms include the launch of e-procurement
platforms and improved contract oversight to curb inefficiencies and
corruption.
The upcoming Mombasa conference, jointly
organised with the Council of Governors and the County Government of Mombasa,
will bring together policymakers, development partners, researchers, private
sector innovators, and community organisations.
It is
expected to provide a strategic platform for reviewing progress, promoting
inclusive service delivery, and showcasing investment-ready solutions.
WASPA Chair Thomas Odongo underscored the urgency
of reform, revealing that only 73% of Kenyans currently access basic water
services, with just 31% having safely managed sanitation.
“These figures reflect a national emergency. With
climate change worsening droughts and floods, we cannot afford to maintain the
status quo,” he warned.
Water Secretary Eng. SAO Alima echoed the
potential of tech-based solutions, noting that Internet of Things (IoT)
sensors, AI-powered maintenance tools, and digital billing systems have already
shown measurable improvements.
“Efficiency is improving, and non-revenue
water is decreasing,” he said.
WASPA CEO Anthony Njaramba praised the power of
collaboration, stating:
“The
Mombasa conference will show how diverse stakeholders can work together to deliver
climate-resilient, investment-friendly water and sanitation services.”
The event will also introduce a suite of new
initiatives, including an Innovative Financing Lab, a Technology Expo, and
Kenya’s first Water and Sanitation Skills Competition.
A special youth innovation showcase aims to
promote intergenerational leadership and encourage tech-savvy solutions from
emerging professionals.
With only weeks to go before the conference, the
Ministry is urging counties, development partners, and private firms to
finalize their registrations and prepare actionable, bankable project proposals
for the NAWASIP alignment sessions.
