NAIROBI, Kenya, May 6 – The Kenyan government is turning to smart technologies and private sector partnerships to address long-standing issues in water access and infrastructure, ahead of a national conference set to explore sector reforms.
Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eric Muuga, said the country is prioritizing the adoption of modern technology — including smart metering and digital resource management — to reduce inefficiencies such as non-revenue water losses.
Muuga was speaking during a briefing ahead of the Kenya Water and Sanitation International Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for June 23–27 in Mombasa.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Water in partnership with the Council of Governors and the County Government of Mombasa, aims to assess progress toward universal water and sanitation access by 2030.
The government has launched the KSh995 billion National Water and Sanitation Investment and Financing Plan (NAWASIP) to support infrastructure expansion.
Muuga said part of the reform agenda includes introducing electronic procurement systems and stricter contract oversight in collaboration with regulatory bodies, to enhance transparency and attract investment.
Stakeholders attending the upcoming forum are expected to discuss financing options such as public-private partnerships (PPPs), green bonds, and blended finance models. County governments have been encouraged to prepare bankable projects for presentation during the conference.
Data from the Water Services Providers Association (WASPA) indicates that only 73 percent of Kenyans have access to basic water services, while just 31 percent have access to safely managed sanitation.
WASPA Chair Thomas Odongo said the figures highlight the urgency of accelerating reforms, especially in the face of increasing climate risks.
The ministry is also reporting early efficiency gains from new technologies.
According to Water Secretary SAO Alima, the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, predictive maintenance systems, and digital billing tools has led to noticeable improvements in service delivery and reduced water loss.
The Mombasa conference will feature a technology expo, a skills competition for water professionals, and discussions on climate adaptation. A youth engagement forum will also be held alongside the main event.
