Government Seeks Private Sector Partnerships to Tackle Water Crisis ahead of WEPEx 2025 Summit
The Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation is calling for increased private sector involvement to enhance water resource management and sanitation solutions, amid growing concerns over water scarcity and pollution.
Speaking during the WEPEx launch, National Water Resources Director Andrew M. Kinyua emphasized the urgency of collaboration, noting that Kenya is classified as a water-scarce country, with per capita water availability below 1,000 cubic meters.
“Sustainable solutions are critical in addressing our water challenges,” Kinyua said.
He explained that the government has reformed the sector, shifting daily water service provision to county-owned companies, while national agencies oversee water resource management.
Key institutions include the Water Resources Authority, the Water Services Regulatory Board, and Water Works Development Agencies, which implement infrastructure projects before handing them over to counties.
Highlighting the need for decentralized wastewater treatment, Kinyua pointed to Nairobi’s limited sewer coverage.
“It is no longer feasible to connect every household to conventional sewer systems. We encourage private sector investment in affordable, decentralized wastewater treatment solutions,” he stated.
Drawing lessons from Egypt, which derives over 95% of its water from the Nile, Kinyua stressed the need for innovation.
“If a desert country can achieve such water efficiency, we must explore innovative solutions,” he remarked.
The government has introduced initiatives such as the National Water Resources Investment Plan and the Water Sector Climate Financing Plan to attract private investment.
“We welcome partnerships in water recycling and climate adaptation strategies to improve access and sanitation,” Kinyua noted.
Encouraging participation in upcoming industry events, he underscored the importance of collaboration.
“The water and sanitation expo in September is a timely opportunity to develop affordable, practical solutions for Kenya,” he stated.
The government remains committed to fostering partnerships that ensure sustainable water management and improved livelihoods for all Kenyans.
Acting Deputy CEO of KEPSA, Dr. Ehud Gachugu ( third R),Roselyne Sugut from Ikapa Media (L),National Water Resources Director Andrew Kinyua (second L) with other stakeholders during the WEPEx launch.
KEPSA Highlights WEPEx 2025 as a Key Platform for Investment and Innovation
The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering investment and collaboration in the water, energy, and renewable sectors, ahead of the highly anticipated Water, Energy, and Petroleum Expo (WEPEx) 2025.
Making his remarks, Acting Deputy CEO of KEPSA, Dr. Ehud Gachugu, emphasized the significance of the expo, describing it as an important event for our country.
KEPSA has been a longstanding partner of WEPEx, recognizing its role in bringing together different African countries to explore opportunities in water, energy, and renewable resources.
“We have found great value in this expo, particularly because it fosters collaboration across African nations in these crucial sectors. These industries are transformative, impacting manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture, which are vital to Kenya’s economic growth,” Gachugu stated.
He further highlighted KEPSA’s role in advocating for policies that attract investment in these areas.
“We have been at the forefront of championing policies that drive investments, working closely with the government to create a conducive business environment,” he noted.
Gachugu stressed the importance of decentralized water and energy solutions, citing Kenya’s pressing need for accessible and affordable utilities,pointing out that WEPEx also bridges social gaps by fostering technology transfer, research, and innovation, benefiting academia and technical training institutions.
“The expo is not just about investment; it is about equipping our institutions with the latest innovations and creating a new agenda for manpower development,” he said.
Regarding investor readiness, Gachugu acknowledged existing challenges, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“While Kenyan businesses are aggressive in expansion, challenges in capacity and innovation persist. This expo provides a platform to exchange knowledge and explore funding opportunities for transformative projects,” he explained.
He highlighted KEPSA’s ongoing initiatives, including programs supported by Trademark East Africa and the MasterCard Foundation, aimed at preparing SMEs for cross-border trade and export readiness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Echoing these sentiments, Arab Union for International Exhibitions and Conferences Secretary-General Mohammed Jarah described WEPEx as the most important event in Africa, particularly in Kenya.
He confirmed strong participation from Iraq, Jordan and Egypt, reinforcing the expo’s international appeal.
Additionally,Roselyne Sugut from Ikapa Media emphasized the role of technology in improving water access and renewable energy.
“Despite being largely desert, Arab countries have superior water coverage. We are looking to adopt their best practices and technologies to enhance service delivery in Kenya,” she said.
She further highlighted collaborations with Asian countries in introducing affordable and efficient technologies in water and energy supply chains.
With growing international participation and robust partnerships, WEPEx 2025 is poised to be a transformative event, fostering innovation, investment, and sustainable solutions in Kenya’s critical sectors.
