A EUR 140 million loan to the Kenyan government has now been finalised with Danske Bank, paving the way for a comprehensive water and sanitation project in Kenya. The project will improve access to clean water and sewage services in Thika and Githunguri, two urban areas north of Nairobi, where population growth, urbanisation, and pressure on water resources are creating an increasing need for new infrastructure.
This week, Danish contractors, including Munch Gruppen, Aarsleff and Züblin, are in Kenya to review the project, which is being implemented in collaboration with the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) as contracting authority under Kenya’s Ministry of Water and Sanitation. COWI is supporting AWWDA with design and procurement, while several Danish water utilities are working with local utilities in Thika and Githunguri to optimise daily operations. The project thus stands as a strong example of how Danish expertise can contribute to sustainable development, for instance in Africa.
The project will ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation, including the construction of new boreholes, dams and reservoirs, as well as the expansion of water distribution and sewerage systems. In addition, renewable energy solutions are being integrated to make operations more energy-efficient and climate-resilient.
Supplying half a million people
Once fully implemented, the project is expected to provide improved access to clean and affordable water for around 284,000 people, while approximately 360,000 people will be connected to sewer systems. Overall, the systems are designed to serve a population of around 500,000 people by 2045. The project is also expected to create both temporary and permanent local jobs, including for young people.
Access to clean water and sanitation is fundamental to both health and economic growth. With this project, we are helping address a concrete local challenge in some of Kenya’s fastest-growing urban areas, while bringing Danish expertise, financing and strong capabilities into play where the need is greatest.
Part of our Public Infrastructure investments
The investment is part of Impact Fund Denmark’s Public Infrastructure efforts, through which we provide loans for critical infrastructure in the Global South. These are projects that are essential to people’s everyday lives and to local economic development but often require long-term and flexible financing to become viable. In Kenya, this translates into better access to water, improved sanitation, reduced environmental impact, and more resilient communities.
The project supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 – an ambition to become a newly industrialised, middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens by 2030.
External Communications Director
Thøger Kirk
+45 53 76 08 05
