The Global Water Center (GWC) has launched a regional initiative aimed at improving access to safely managed water across East Africa. With financial backing totaling US $1.1M (approximately KSh142.5M) from the Grundfos Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation, the program targets four countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
A central objective of the project is to address the shortage of skilled professionals in the water and sanitation sector, especially in rural communities. This initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of government institutions and create vocational training opportunities tailored to the needs of water sector professionals.
By identifying current gaps in workforce skills, the project aims to design practical, market-relevant courses that can support the development and maintenance of local water infrastructure. These efforts are expected to contribute to long-term improvements in public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
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Addressing water access challenges
According to findings from the Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS), many countries in Africa are operating with less than half of the required workforce needed for effective water and sanitation services. This shortage represents a major risk to the sustainability of water systems and limits access to essential services for millions of people.
The first phase of the project is supported by the initial grant, but GWC is actively seeking additional partners to expand the program’s reach. GWC CEO Thomas Johnston has called on stakeholders to join the effort, emphasizing the need for collaborative solutions to drive lasting improvements in water accessibility throughout the region.
