Partnership to strengthen technical skills, innovation and knowledge exchange in Kenya’s water sector
Kenya is deepening its cooperation with Denmark in the water sector through a new partnership aimed at strengthening technical capacity, knowledge exchange and innovation.
The Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) and the Royal Danish Embassy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Danish Water Centre of Excellence, creating a platform for collaboration between Kenyan and Danish water-sector institutions.
The partnership builds on Denmark’s longstanding engagement with Kenya’s water sector, which dates back to 2004.
Building skills for a changing water sector
The proposed Centre of Excellence is expected to provide opportunities for professional development, technical training and the exchange of expertise between the two countries.
For Kenya, strengthening human-resource capacity is increasingly important as water utilities and institutions confront challenges including climate variability, urbanisation, water scarcity, ageing infrastructure and the need for more efficient water management.
A stronger pipeline of skilled water professionals can support the adoption of modern technologies and improve the planning, operation and maintenance of water infrastructure.
Creating a platform for innovation
The partnership also creates opportunities to connect training and research with practical challenges facing Kenya’s water sector.
Knowledge-sharing between Kenyan and Danish institutions could contribute to the development and adaptation of solutions in areas such as water efficiency, wastewater management, climate resilience, digital technologies and sustainable water-resource management.
Denmark has maintained a longstanding relationship with Kenya’s water sector, while Danish-supported initiatives have also contributed to water and sanitation infrastructure in the country. In June 2026, a Danish-financed project targeting improved access to clean water and sewage services in Thika and Githunguri reached an important implementation milestone.
Supporting the next generation of water professionals
The Centre of Excellence could also strengthen the connection between education, research and the needs of the water industry.
As Kenya expands water and sanitation infrastructure, the sector will require professionals capable of working across engineering, water-resource management, wastewater treatment, environmental protection, digital systems and climate adaptation.
For KEWI, the collaboration provides an opportunity to broaden international partnerships while enhancing the institute’s role in developing skills for Kenya’s water and sanitation sector.
A partnership with regional potential
The Kenya–Denmark cooperation comes as water institutions across East Africa seek practical approaches to improving water security and building resilience against climate-related pressures.
Beyond training and knowledge exchange, partnerships such as this can help create stronger links between academia, government, utilities, technology providers and development partners.
The establishment of a Danish Water Centre of Excellence therefore represents a potential new platform for turning international expertise and local knowledge into practical solutions for Kenya’s evolving water challenges.
