French Week Nairobi 2025

The Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir, CBS this afternoon delivered a keynote speech at the ongoing French Week, focusing on the theme "Access to Water: Delegated Public Services and Total Cost of Ownership." He expressed appreciation to the French Chamber of Commerce for organizing the event and for bringing together French investors and partners committed to advancing development opportunities across key sectors of the economy. In his remarks, the PS highlighted the strong and active collaboration between Kenya and the French Development Agency (AFD), particularly in urban sanitation, utility strengthening, climate resilience, and delegated management models. This partnership continues to make a tangible impact through major programs such as the Northern Collector Tunnel, the Nairobi Water and Sanitation Project, the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Program (LVWATSAN), and the Mwache Downstream Works. He noted that while some AFD-supported programs are closing, new phases are beginning, demonstrating continued confidence and commitment to investing in Kenya’s water sector. The PS emphasized that Kenya presents a robust pipeline of opportunities for collaboration and private sector investment, aligned with the National Water and Sanitation Investment Plan (NAWASIP) and the National Climate Financing Framework. He encouraged French investors to take advantage of emerging prospects in areas such as expanding household connections, deploying smart and conventional metering technologies, utilizing existing idle capacity in fast-growing urban areas, reducing Non-Revenue Water through technology and asset management, and developing financing models that support household-level water and sanitation infrastructure. He reaffirmed that Kenya remains committed to partnerships that drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainable service delivery, ensuring that more households gain access to safe water and improved sanitation. The PS was accompanied by the Water Secretary Eng. Samuel Alima and the Athi Water Works Development Agency CEO Eng. Joseph Kamau.