Water and Sanitation Providers Association (WASPA) and her partners; the Ministry of Water, Sanitation & Irrigation, Council of Governors and the County of Mombasa hosted the Kenya Water & Sanitation International Conference & Exhibition from 23rd to 27th of June 2025. This year’s theme was: “Innovative Financing Models, Technology & Innovations for Sustainable Pathways to Climate-Smart Water and Sanitation Solutions & Investments.”
The overall goal of the conference was to convene experts, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, community organizations and other relevant stakeholders to foster collaboration, share knowledge and showcase technological innovations aimed at achieving climate-adaptive, efficient, and sustainable water and sanitation systems.
Specific objectives of conference
- To advance policy dialogues and commitments toward resilient, sustainable water and sanitation solutions.
- To examine emerging technologies that enable sustainable water and sanitation access amid climate impacts.
- To highlight sustainable finance models to drive climate-resilient infrastructure projects and innovations.
- To share insights from successful case studies in climate-resilient water and sanitation solutions
- To foster collaboration and partnerships between technology providers, policymakers, research & academia, NGOs, and communities in provision of water and sanitation solutions
The key thematic areas relevant to NWHSA were:
- Innovative Financing for Climate-Resilient Water Infrastructure
- Heavy emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Green Bonds, and Blended Finance to close the sector’s 46% investment gap (noted in NAWASIP).
- WASPA proposed piloting the Finance Marketplace Initiative to link WSPs and projects to impact investors and climate funds.
- Notable contributions from National Treasury, World Bank, and AfDB highlighted readiness for infrastructure co-financing.
- Emerging Technologies & Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
The urgency of climate change requires a futuristic approach to water security and sanitation management, strategic application of new technologies, methods or creative approaches to improve existing processes in providing solutions that can adapt to environmental and social dynamics.
Emerging digital technologies that advance climate-resilient infrastructure offers various climate resilient options that will enable development of sustainable infrastructure given the effects of climate change, responding effectively to extreme weather conditions while ensuring preparedness for an uncertain future. These include:
- Smart metering and remote sensing for NRW reduction.
- Solar-powered systems for pumping and purification.
- GIS-based decision support tools for infrastructure planning.
- Opportunities exist to incorporate these technologies into dams, pans, and bulk water projects implemented by the Authority
- Policy Innovation & Governance
Sessions emphasized the need for integrated water resources management, supportive policies, and multi-level coordination. Further, calls were made to implement the Water Services Regulations 2025 and align national–county interventions through frameworks established frameworks. Governors and County Executives reinforced the devolved mandate of water services, highlighting areas for collaborative investment.
- Capacity Strengthening and Research
Participants acknowledged capacity gaps among Water Service Providers and implementing agencies, especially in areas with no proper sanitation, catchment protection, and climate-smart infrastructure. Institutions of learning and research emphasized the need for context-specific research and skilled personnel development, especially in dam safety, water quality, and groundwater management.
Key Takeaways
- Financing and Innovation are the cornerstone for sustainable water infrastructure.
- NWHSA’s mandate aligns directly with emerging sector priorities – including resilience, integration, and inclusivity.
- There is a strong call to leverage development and private sector rtnerships to fast-track implementation and reduce fiscal burden.
- The conference showcased Kenya’s readiness to innovate and scale effective solutions offering NWHSA the platform to lead.
We used the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and showcased innovations in water harvesting, storage and flood control. We also explored partnerships that will shape the future of water and sanitation in Kenya.
The forum brought together over 200 local and international stakeholders, including policymakers, development partners, utility managers, financiers, and innovators. The conference aimed to catalyze sector transformation by spotlighting innovations in financing, technology, governance, and capacity strengthening to advance SDG 6.
