NAWASSCO drives a culture of change
Nakuru Water and Sanitation Services Company (NAWASSCO) is strengthening its internal systems and operational efficiency through a change management programme aimed at embedding continuous improvement across the utility.
The initiative is being implemented as part of ongoing engagements under the Urban Water Catalyst Initiative (UWCI), with support from VEI through the WaterWorX programme and Rebel Group in Kenya serving as the transaction advisor.
The latest engagement included the opening of the final cohort of Kaizen change management training for NAWASSCO staff. The training is designed to help employees adopt a culture focused on continuous improvement, efficiency and better performance in the delivery of water and sanitation services.
Kaizen, a management approach centred on making continuous, incremental improvements, is expected to help strengthen the way NAWASSCO identifies operational challenges, develops solutions and improves workplace processes. By involving staff in the improvement process, the programme seeks to make efficiency an integral part of the utility’s day-to-day operations.
The training forms part of broader efforts to strengthen NAWASSCO’s institutional and operational capacity as it works to improve service delivery and develop sustainable investment opportunities.
Alongside the capacity-building component, the partners are working on a pipeline of bankable projects for NAWASSCO under the Urban Water Catalyst Initiative. The programme seeks to support the development of water and sanitation projects that are sufficiently structured to attract financing and advance investment in the sector.
The transaction advisory support provided by Rebel Group is expected to help transform potential projects into viable investments capable of attracting domestic financing. This approach could provide NAWASSCO with additional opportunities to mobilise resources for infrastructure development and service improvements.
The combination of staff development, operational efficiency and investment preparation provides a broader foundation for strengthening the utility’s performance. While the Kaizen training focuses on improving internal processes and workplace culture, the development of bankable projects targets the financial and infrastructure needs required to expand and sustain services.
The latest cohort marks another step in the ongoing effort to establish continuous improvement as part of NAWASSCO’s organisational culture. Staff are being encouraged to look beyond routine operations and identify practical ways of reducing inefficiencies, improving processes and enhancing value for customers.
Through the continued partnership under the WaterWorX programme and the Urban Water Catalyst Initiative, NAWASSCO is positioning itself to combine stronger institutional practices with improved access to investment opportunities.
The initiative ultimately seeks to support a more efficient and financially sustainable water utility, capable of delivering reliable water and sanitation services while developing projects that can attract funding for future growth.
