KEWI deepens Kenya-Denmark water cooperation
Kenya and Denmark are strengthening cooperation in the water sector through technical knowledge exchange and institutional learning, with the Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) taking an active role in efforts to build capacity and promote sustainable water management solutions.
The collaboration is being implemented under the Kenya–Denmark Strategic Sector Cooperation (SSC) on Water, which seeks to enhance technical cooperation and share expertise between institutions in the two countries.
As part of the initiative, KEWI participated in a four-day learning mission in Denmark that took participants to Vejle, Aarhus and Aalborg. The mission brought together Kenyan and Danish water sector stakeholders to exchange experiences, examine approaches to water resource management and explore practices that could provide useful lessons for Kenya.
The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Water Resources Authority, Water Services Regulatory Board, Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education Training and Research, Laikipia Wildlife Forum, Laikipia County Government, National Environment Management Authority and the University of Nairobi, among other institutions.
The engagement provided an opportunity for participants to gain first-hand insights into Denmark’s water management systems and institutional approaches. Particular attention was given to groundwater, which plays a significant role in supplying potable water in Denmark.
For KEWI, participation in the programme is closely aligned with its mandate of strengthening technical capacity and supporting the development of practical solutions to challenges facing the water sector.
The Institute chairs Technical Working Groups focusing on Nature-Based Solutions and Pollution under the Strategic Sector Cooperation framework. It also participates in the Groundwater Mapping Working Group, where it contributes technical expertise to discussions aimed at improving understanding and management of water resources.
The Danish learning mission also highlighted the importance of international partnerships in addressing water-related challenges. Through the exchange of technical knowledge and institutional experiences, participants were able to explore how approaches used in Denmark could inform solutions suited to Kenya’s environmental, institutional and socio-economic circumstances.
The cooperation comes at a time when sustainable management of water resources remains an important priority for Kenya, particularly as institutions seek to improve access to water, strengthen resource protection and enhance the resilience of communities and water systems.
KEWI said the continued partnership between Kenyan and Danish institutions demonstrates the value of technical cooperation in building expertise and developing innovative responses to shared water sector challenges.
The Institute expressed appreciation to Denmark in Kenya and all participating institutions for their continued collaboration and commitment to advancing the water sector through knowledge sharing, technical learning and institutional partnerships.
