WASPA seeks new investment to strengthen water services
Water service providers in Kenya are seeking stronger investment partnerships and innovative financing solutions to improve service delivery and build resilient water and sanitation systems amid growing infrastructure and climate-related challenges.
The Water and Sanitation Providers Association (WASPA) participated in the 10th edition of the I4WASH Marketplace Forum 2026, held at Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi, where sector stakeholders discussed ways to mobilise investment and strengthen collaboration across the water and sanitation industry.
Held under the theme “Innovate, Invest, Impact: Building Resilient Water and Sanitation Ecosystems for the Future,” the forum provided a platform for water utilities, regulators, financial institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for financing infrastructure and improving operational performance.
WASPA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Njaramba reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting innovation, strengthening partnerships and advancing sustainable financing mechanisms to support water service providers.
The association emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing challenges affecting utilities, including the need to expand infrastructure, improve efficiency and ensure reliable access to safe water and sanitation services.
Investment remains a critical requirement for water providers seeking to extend distribution networks, upgrade ageing infrastructure and accommodate growing populations. Utilities also face pressure to improve operational efficiency while maintaining affordable services for households and businesses.
The discussions at the forum highlighted the importance of bringing together financial institutions, public agencies and private-sector players to identify funding opportunities and develop partnerships that can accelerate infrastructure development.
Banks and other financing institutions can play a significant role in supporting water utilities through appropriate lending products, infrastructure financing and other financial arrangements. However, sustainable investment requires projects with clear implementation plans, sound financial management and the capacity to generate sufficient resources for operations and maintenance.
Climate resilience was another important consideration, as water and sanitation infrastructure faces increasing risks from droughts, flooding and changing rainfall patterns. These pressures can disrupt water supplies, damage facilities and increase the cost of maintaining reliable services.
Investing in resilient infrastructure, improving water-resource management and adopting innovative technologies can help utilities respond to these risks while strengthening the continuity of essential services.
The forum also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to examine how strategic partnerships can support knowledge sharing, institutional capacity-building and the adoption of practical solutions across the sector.
Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, the Water Services Regulatory Board, the Water Sector Trust Fund, Family Bank, Equity Bank, Nakuru Water and Sanitation Services Company, Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company, Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company and Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company, among other organisations.
The participation of water utilities, regulators, financial institutions and development partners underscored the importance of coordinated action in addressing financing and service delivery challenges.
As Kenya works to expand access to safe water and sanitation, strengthening the financial sustainability of water providers will remain essential. Improved access to financing can help utilities implement priority projects, reduce operational constraints and extend services to underserved communities.
The discussions at the I4WASH Marketplace Forum reinforced the need to connect innovation with investment and measurable improvements in service delivery. For water providers, the priority is to translate partnerships into practical projects that strengthen infrastructure, improve reliability and ensure communities benefit from sustainable water and sanitation services.
