By Water East Africa Magazine
Kenya has taken a significant step towards improving urban water and sanitation services following the launch of the National Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Program (NUWSSP), an initiative financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The programme is expected to expand access to clean water and safe sanitation for millions of people while supporting the country’s long-term urban development agenda.
The programme was officially rolled out during a three-day implementation workshop held in Nairobi in April, bringing together officials from the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, representatives from 13 county implementing agencies and African Development Bank specialists. The workshop focused on project management, environmental and social safeguards, procurement procedures, monitoring and evaluation, gender integration, and financial management to ensure smooth implementation.
Once fully implemented, the programme will deliver improved water supply services to approximately 1.4 million people living in 21 towns across 16 counties. In addition, around 500,000 residents are expected to benefit from enhanced sanitation services, helping reduce health risks while improving living conditions in rapidly expanding urban centres.
The infrastructure investments are projected to increase water production capacity by 33,600 cubic metres per day and expand wastewater treatment capacity by 19,300 cubic metres per day. These improvements are expected to enhance service reliability and strengthen the resilience of urban water systems as demand continues to grow.
Speaking during the launch, African Development Bank representatives reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s development priorities, noting that the programme aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, Kenya Vision 2030, and the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Implementing agencies were encouraged to strengthen coordination, adhere to project guidelines, and maintain implementation momentum to achieve the programme’s objectives by its planned completion in 2029.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation, Julius Korir, described the African Development Bank as a trusted development partner and emphasised that effective implementation will be key to maximising the programme’s impact. He noted that building the capacity of implementing institutions is essential to delivering sustainable water and sanitation services for Kenyan communities.
Water Secretary Eng. Samwel Alima highlighted the programme’s role in modernising urban water infrastructure and improving service delivery. According to the ministry, the investment will help address increasing demand driven by urbanisation while contributing to sustainable economic growth and improved public health.
The National Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Program forms part of the African Development Bank’s broader support for Kenya’s water sector, where the institution has committed investments exceeding US$1 billion. These investments continue to strengthen water security, sanitation infrastructure and climate resilience while promoting inclusive socio-economic development across the country.