Kenya pushes for climate-resilient water utilities
Kenya’s water sector must embrace climate-resilient infrastructure, innovative technologies and sustainable financing to address the growing threats posed by climate change, Water and Sanitation Providers Association (WASPA) Chief Executive Officer Anthony Njaramba has said.
Speaking during the Nairobi Climate Talks 2026, co-organised by the German Embassy in Kenya and the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce for Eastern Africa (AHK Eastern Africa), Njaramba called for greater investment in water infrastructure to strengthen the country’s resilience against climate-related challenges.
He emphasised the need to place water at the centre of climate discussions, warning that increasingly frequent droughts, floods and mounting pressure on water resources threaten the sustainability of water and sanitation services across Kenya.
According to Njaramba, climate change is placing considerable pressure on existing water infrastructure, making it necessary for utilities to adopt efficient, resilient and financially sustainable operational models.
He identified the reduction of non-revenue water (NRW), increased adoption of renewable energy and investment in smart technologies as critical measures for improving efficiency and strengthening water security.
Reducing water losses through improved infrastructure, effective monitoring and modern management systems would enable water utilities to maximise available resources while improving service delivery to consumers.
Njaramba also highlighted the importance of international partnerships in addressing emerging challenges within Kenya’s water sector, particularly through enhanced cooperation between Kenya and Germany.
He noted that collaboration between the two countries presents opportunities for technology transfer, investment, institutional capacity building and the development of practical solutions to strengthen climate resilience.
As part of these efforts, WASPA is planning to establish a Water Innovation Hub that will connect water service providers with innovative technologies and solutions designed to address operational challenges.
The proposed hub is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing, strengthen local technical capacity and accelerate the adoption of technologies that improve efficiency and sustainability within the water sector.
It will also create opportunities for collaboration between water utilities, technology providers, investors and other stakeholders seeking to develop solutions to climate-related challenges.
The discussions underscored the importance of translating climate commitments into practical investments that deliver measurable improvements in water security and infrastructure resilience.
Njaramba stressed that addressing climate change requires coordinated action, adequate financing and stronger partnerships to ensure water utilities can withstand extreme weather conditions while maintaining reliable services.
The Nairobi Climate Talks provided a platform for stakeholders to explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation, advancing innovation and mobilising investment in climate-resilient water infrastructure.
Through the proposed innovation hub and enhanced international collaboration, WASPA aims to support Kenya’s transition towards a more efficient, financially sustainable and climate-resilient water sector.
