The Water Sector Trust Fund (WaterFund), a state corporation under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, continues to strengthen water and sanitation services across Kenya, particularly in marginalized and underserved counties. Established under the Water Act, 2016, the Fund provides both conditional and unconditional grants to county governments, supporting the development and management of water projects aimed at enhancing access to clean and safe water. WaterFund has played a pivotal role in financing initiatives that target urban low-income areas as well as remote rural communities.
Among its notable achievements, WaterFund’s Output-Based Aid (OBA) Programme, implemented through Results-Based Financing, earned the prestigious 2021 United Nations Public Service Award for improving public sector efficiency in reaching Sustainable Development Goals. The Fund also provides commercial financing options for water projects, where loans are subsidized based on the achievement of agreed outcomes, ensuring that investments translate directly into service delivery. Counties are encouraged to register on the government’s e-procurement system to partner with WaterFund and access funding, a move designed to streamline transparency and accountability in project implementation.
WaterFund remains committed to innovation and public engagement, working closely with county governments to ensure water infrastructure projects meet local needs while promoting sustainability. To safeguard stakeholders, the Fund has also issued warnings against fraudulent job offers, tenders, and prequalification scams, emphasizing that no payments are required for legitimate engagements. Through partnerships with counties, development organizations, and communities, WaterFund continues to play a critical role in expanding Kenya’s water access, improving sanitation, and enhancing resilience against climate-related water challenges.