Kenya seeks private funding for dams

Kenya’s government is working to attract private investment to build dams and improve water access for both urban and rural populations. With limited public funds, the government aims to construct 50 large dams and thousands of smaller ones to enhance water collection and storage infrastructure.

Funding needs exceed public budget

The development of water infrastructure requires an estimated 160 billion shillings (1.23 billion USD), but the national budget covers only 20 percent of these needs. To bridge the 128 billion shilling funding gap, the government plans to use public-private partnerships (PPP) to mobilize private capital.

Some dams nearing completion

Two major dams, Thwake and Mwache, are nearing completion. Thwake is expected to be operational in January 2027, while Mwache has exceeded 90 percent completion. These projects are supported by international institutions like the African Development Bank and the World Bank.

New projects and international collaboration

Discussions are ongoing with the Danish agency Danida to build a dam in Kiambu county. Additionally, the government plans to use the future National Infrastructure Fund to support the construction of 50 large dams, 200 medium-sized ones, and over 1,000 small dams.

Water access remains unequal

Despite improvements, access to improved water sources remains uneven. In 2023, 77 percent of the population had access to improved water sources, with urban areas at 93 percent and rural areas at 69 percent. This disparity highlights the need for continued investment in water infrastructure.

Long-term funding goals set

The National Investment Plan for Water and Sanitation (NAWASIP 2022-2030) estimates that 99.5 billion KES (7.6 billion USD) will be needed by 2030 to improve water and sanitation services nationwide. This funding goal is broader than the current focus on water collection and storage infrastructure.