Kenya Launches Major Urban Water Programme to Benefit Nearly 2 Million People

The NUWSSP forms part of the Bank Group’s broader investment in Kenya’s water sector, which now totals over $1 billion—approximately 27% of its national portfolio.

Kenya has taken a significant step toward addressing urban water and sanitation challenges with the launch of a major Bank-financed national programme expected to transform access to essential services for millions.

The National Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Program (NUWSSP) officially moved into its implementation phase following a high-level three-day launch workshop in Nairobi (8–10 April), bringing together government officials, water agencies, and development partners to align on execution strategies.

The programme is set to deliver improved water access to approximately 1.4 million people and safe sanitation services to an additional 500,000 people, targeting rapidly growing urban centres where infrastructure gaps have struggled to keep pace with population growth.

Coordinated National Push Across 16 Counties

The NUWSSP will be implemented across 21 towns in 16 counties, marking one of the most extensive urban water initiatives currently underway in the country.

The Nairobi workshop convened dozens of stakeholders, including officials from the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation and representatives from 13 county water implementing agencies, focusing on critical areas such as:

• Financial and fiduciary compliance

• Environmental and social safeguards

• Gender integration

• Monitoring and evaluation systems

• Project management frameworks

Participants also engaged in technical discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at strengthening coordination and ensuring consistent standards across all implementing agencies.

Driving Kenya's Long-Term Development Goals

Speaking on behalf of the Bank's East Africa leadership, Lead Investments and Operations Officer Christopher Mutasa described the programme as a key pillar in advancing Kenya's national and global development commitments.

"This project reflects a strong partnership with the Government of Kenya and directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 6, as well as the country's Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA)," Mutasa said.

He urged implementing agencies to prioritise efficiency and compliance to ensure the programme delivers measurable outcomes by its target completion in 2029.

Infrastructure Boost to Meet Urban Demand

Kenya's rapidly urbanising population has placed increasing pressure on water and sanitation systems, with many towns facing intermittent supply, inadequate treatment capacity, and sanitation gaps.

According to Water Secretary Eng. Samwel Alima, the NUWSSP is designed to address these challenges through targeted infrastructure upgrades that will:

• Increase water supply capacity by 33,600 cubic metres per day

• Expand wastewater treatment capacity by 19,300 cubic metres per day

"These investments will significantly improve service reliability and strengthen the sustainability of urban water systems," Alima said.

Experts note that improved water infrastructure not only enhances public health outcomes but also supports economic productivity, reduces time spent collecting water, and improves living standards—particularly in low-income urban areas.

Government Emphasises Strong Implementation Systems

Opening the workshop, Principal Secretary Julius Korir underscored the importance of robust delivery mechanisms, describing the programme as a critical opportunity to transform the sector.

"The success of NUWSSP will depend on the strength of our implementation systems," Korir said. "This workshop is designed to equip teams with the knowledge and tools required to deliver results on the ground."

He also praised the Bank Group as a "preferred partner" in Kenya's water sector development.

Part of a $1 Billion Investment Portfolio

The NUWSSP forms part of the Bank Group's broader investment in Kenya's water sector, which now totals over $1 billion—approximately 27% of its national portfolio.

This sustained investment reflects the strategic importance of water and sanitation in driving inclusive growth, improving resilience, and supporting urban development.

Looking Ahead: A Platform for Sustainable Urban Growth

As Kenya continues to urbanise—with cities expected to absorb millions of new residents over the next decade—the NUWSSP is positioned as a cornerstone initiative to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with demand.

By combining large-scale infrastructure upgrades with institutional strengthening and capacity building, the programme aims to deliver not just improved services, but a more resilient and future-ready urban water system.

If successfully implemented, it could serve as a model for other rapidly urbanising countries facing similar challenges across Africa and beyond.