Kenya seeks sustainable water solutions through enhanced funding initiatives

By Robert Mutasi 

Water Cabinet Secretary Muga Muriithi earlier today led a high-profile roundtable discussion on water investments. 

This was in collaboration with DANIDA Sustainable Infrastructure Finance, the Danish Trade Council, and Danish Water Utilities to firm up partnerships and define strategies that will contribute toward improving Kenya's water resources.

He was presenting the National Water Sector Financing and Investment Plan, NAWASIP 2023-2027, alongside the country's Climate Financing Strategy during the meeting. 

He indicated that the two frameworks were relevant in the management and conservation of scarce water resources in Kenya through sustainable means.

We're committed today to a future in which all Kenyans have adequate and safe water. We will initiate activities outlined in our plans, which increase our storage capacity and enhance our water harvesting techniques," Muriithi said.

The core of the NAWASIP includes some high-profile projects: those intended to strengthen Kenya's water infrastructure. Some key activities involve the construction of new dams, improving supply and reliability; rehabilitation of already existing systems to enable them to work more efficiently; and promotion of rainwater collection systems at both community and institutional levels.

These are concurrent with the Vision 2030 development blueprint, which transforms Kenya into a middle-income economy with equitable social and economic development.

He reiterated that these projects were part of the government's climate change engagement strategy and ways to improve water security across the country amid increasing environmental challenges.

We are under obligation to raise funds for the Ministry to successfully carry out these vital projects. We're committed to securing sustainable financing solutions that will ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of our water resources," he said.

The round table discussion went down well with the collaborators present showcasing the opportunity of new financing solutions that could support public funding.

Discussions like this exemplify one of the proactive steps towards developing sustainable water management systems as Kenya gets ready to face the impacts of climate change.

As pressures continue to mount on water resources, exacerbated by climate variability, initiatives such as NAWASIP promise hope for long-term solutions to securing access to water in Kenya.

The determination of the government in seeking partnership with international financiers will, thus, testify to the fact that it is aware of the urgent need to invest in one of the most important sectors aimed at ensuring good health and well-being of its citizens.