NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 5 – Government agencies can now finance water projects through public-private partnerships (PPPs) following the enactment of the Water Amendment Bill 2023, signed into law by President William Ruto.
The law empowers agencies like the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority and Water Works Development Agencies to enter bulk water purchase agreements with investors under the PPP Act, in consultation with the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).
The bill, spearheaded by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, aims to prevent stalled projects, ensuring public funds are used effectively while maintaining consumer protection and economic efficiency.
Meanwhile, Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo emphasized the urgency of PPPs to fund major infrastructure projects like the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport modernization, citing the country’s strained fiscal position and taxpayers’ burden.
