The Kenyan government has officially approved a Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) by Dutch firms Haskoning and Rebel to advance the Naivasha Special Economic Zones Bulk Water Supply Project, a major step toward boosting water access and supporting industrial growth in the region.
The approval, issued by the Public Private Partnership Directorate, allows the two companies to move forward with plans to develop, finance, construct, and operate a large-scale water supply and wastewater treatment project in Naivasha. They will work in partnership with Africa Water Infrastructure Development (AWID), WaterConnect, and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG).
Naivasha has experienced rapid urban and industrial expansion in recent years, putting pressure on its limited water resources. Many residents still rely on water kiosks, but the new project aims to transition households to piped water connections — improving public health, convenience, and overall quality of life.
With the town’s population projected to reach 575,000 by 2030, the demand for reliable water infrastructure is expected to rise sharply. The project also supports the government’s economic transformation agenda, which prioritizes the growth of the Naivasha Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as a key driver of industrial development.
According to Haskoning, the project will attract an estimated €90 million (about KSh 14 billion) in new infrastructure investments to ensure sustainable drinking water supply for both local communities and industries within the SEZ.
“We are committed to delivering long-term benefits for both communities and the environment,” said Michel Riemersma, Project Director for Water International at Haskoning. “This initiative goes beyond traditional consultancy — it allows us to help secure water supply for households while supporting Kenya’s ambitious growth plans.”
Effective water resource management remains crucial for protecting Lake Naivasha, a Ramsar-listed wetland known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife, including hippos and numerous bird species. The area also supports Kenya’s multi-billion-shilling floriculture and horticulture industries, which have long been central to trade between Kenya and the Netherlands.
The project’s approval follows the signing of a Letter of Intent between the governments of Kenya and the Netherlands, under which the Netherlands committed €1.5 million (KSh 230 million) to support the project’s development phase. The grant is managed by Invest International, a Dutch public-private financial institution focused on global development financing.
AWID, established in 2023 by Metito Utilities and British International Investment (BII), will bring technical expertise and operational experience to ensure the project is climate-resilient and sustainable. PIDG, through its InfraCo arm, and WaterConnect will also support early-stage development, financing, and project management.
Rob Winters, Director at Rebel, noted that the project was designed to bridge the gap between Kenya’s growing water infrastructure needs and limited financing.
“We leveraged our experience in structuring complex public-private partnerships to create an innovative model that brings together governments, financiers, and technical experts,” he said. “This project could be a game changer for water-scarce regions in Kenya and across Africa.”
The Naivasha water project now enters the development phase, during which detailed environmental, social, and biodiversity studies will be conducted to ensure minimal negative impact and maximum community benefit.
If successful, the initiative is expected to serve as a model for future water PPPs in Kenya, helping expand access to clean water while promoting sustainable industrialization.
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