Kenya’s Public Private Partnership Directorate has given Haskoning and Rebel, the go ahead to their Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) to advance the Naivasha Special Economic Zones Bulk Water Supply Project.
The two firms will partner with Africa Water Infrastructure Development (AWID), WaterConnect, and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) to develop, finance, construct, and operate a large-scale water supply and wastewater treatment system in Naivasha.
The Naivasha project is currently in its development phase, during which detailed environmental, community, and biodiversity assessments will be conducted to maximize positive outcomes and mitigate any potential impacts.
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Demand for reliable water access
Naivasha, a rapidly growing industrial and urban hub, is facing increasing demand for reliable water access. Many residents still rely on water kiosks, but the transition to household water connections is expected to enhance public health, living standards, and economic productivity. With the town’s population projected to reach 575,000 by 2030, investment in infrastructure has become critical to meet future needs and support the government’s economic transformation agenda centered on the Naivasha Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The two companies spearheaded the project’s pre-feasibility study under Kenya’s PPP framework and helped structure financing for the initiative, which represents an investment of US $105M. The project aims to ensure a sustainable and reliable supply of clean water for both local communities and the SEZ, aligning with Kenya’s goals for industrial growth and climate resilience.
“We are committed to delivering long-term sustainable benefits for communities and the environment. This initiative can significantly improve lives, boost the economy, and protect biodiversity. Our involvement goes beyond consultancy we are now co-developers, ensuring water security for households and supporting Naivasha’s industrial growth,” said Michel Riemersma, Project Director for Water International at Haskoning.
Effective management of water resources will also play a key role in preserving Lake Naivasha, a Ramsar-listed wetland vital for biodiversity and a key habitat for birds and hippos. The region’s horticulture and floriculture sectors important drivers of Kenya–Netherlands trade also depend heavily on sustainable water supply.
The PIP approval follows a Letter of Intent signed between the governments of Kenya and the Netherlands. As part of the partnership, the Netherlands will provide a €1.5 million grant through Invest International to support project development. Additional backing has come from partners including AWID, PIDG, and WaterConnect.
Founded in 2023 by Metito Utilities and British International Investment (BII), AWID focuses on climate-resilient water and wastewater projects across Africa, promoting private investment in sustainable infrastructure. PIDG, through its InfraCo platform, specializes in developing early-stage infrastructure projects in Africa and Asia, while WaterConnect provides project development and financing expertise for water and sanitation initiatives.
“Our goal was to close the gap between Kenya’s drinking water needs and available financing. Our experience with Kenyan regulations and collaboration with Dutch and Kenyan authorities enabled us to design a robust, innovative funding model. We’re proud to move from advisory roles to direct participation as developers and investors in PPPs across Africa,” said Rob Winters, Director at Rebel.