Nairobi, Kenya, 9th October 2025 – An agreement has been signed between consortium partners Haskoning, RebelGroup (Rebel), Africa Water Infrastructure Development (AWID), WaterConnect, and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) – through its project development solution, InfraCo, and its technical assistance offering – to advance the Naivasha Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Domestic Bulk Water Supply and Wastewater Project in Kenya.
The project, initiated by Haskoning and Rebel, was approved by the Kenyan PPP Directorate to proceed to the project development phase in May 2025. Structured as a public-private partnership (PPP), the Naivasha project is poised to significantly improve water and wastewater infrastructure in Kenya. Designed to serve both domestic users as well as industries located within the Naivasha SEZ, the scheme will deliver modern bulk water supply and wastewater treatment services under a 30-year PPP framework with the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.
Michel Riemersma, Project Director at Haskoning said, “We are excited to work with world-class partners on a project designed to create value for all stakeholders, particularly the citizens of Naivasha. We are proud to be the initiators of this project and to work in an innovative manner, combining our roles as consultant and developer. This project is fully aligned with our company motto: ‘Enhance Society Together”
Rob Winters, Director at Rebel, stated: “the project is a vital step toward ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable water for both communities and the Naivasha SEZ. By expanding bulk water capacity and upgrading wastewater treatment systems, the project not only secures clean drinking water but also safeguards the ecosystem and biodiversity of Lake Naivasha. Through an innovative, climate-resilient approach and a robust PPP, our consortium will be able to demonstrate how infrastructure investment can drive both environmental restoration and inclusive regional growth.”
The consortium partners intend to jointly advance the project through the Kenyan PPP development process, drawing on their collective expertise in engineering, project development, and infrastructure finance. The project will include the design, financing, construction, operations and maintenance of potable water supply and wastewater treatment infrastructure, serving both domestic users and industries within the SEZ.
Dr. Ernest Poku, Executive Director of AWID, added: AWID, a platform co-established by British International Investment (BII) and Metito Utilities, was created to demonstrate that sustainable water infrastructure in Africa can be both impactful and commercially viable. The Naivasha project sets a benchmark for the region by bringing together public and private expertise to deliver reliable, climate-smart water and wastewater services. We are proud to be leading the next phase of the project on behalf of the consortium, and we hope it will inspire more projects like this through effective collaboration and innovative financing.
Speaking of the partnership, John Moyer, President of WaterConnect said: “This project shows what’s possible when committed partners come together to co-develop lasting water solutions. Thanks to public-private collaboration and a shared vision for impact, we’re helping ensure that current and future generations in Naivasha have reliable access to water, laying the groundwork for healthier, more resilient communities.”
Omar Jabri, PIDG Head of Business Development (Africa) for InfraCo concluded, “PIDG works to mobilise private sector finance into infrastructure projects which accelerate climate action and deliver sustainable development outcomes. The Naivasha SEZ and Domestic Bulk Water Supply and Wastewater Project epitomises this work, and we are excited to work with Haskoning, Rebel, AWID and WaterConnect to realise its potential. With improved access to clean drinking water, modern wastewater treatment facilities, and water to support local industry within the SEZ, we anticipate that the region will increase its resilience to future climate and economic shocks.”
More than 270,000 end users are expected to benefit from improved access to drinking water and sanitation services which will improve quality of life and enhance climate resilience. The project will support the transition of households and businesses from water kiosks to household connections. Connected businesses in the associated SEZ are expected to benefit from greater reliability and access to water, supporting increased productivity and profitability. The project will also improve surface water quality via wastewater treatment and reuse in one of Kenya’s fastest-growing regions.
The Naivasha SEZ and Domestic Bulk Water Supply and Wastewater PPP will be designed to incorporate efficiency, resilience, and sustainability, ensuring reliable and affordable services for decades to come. The project is expected to strengthen Kenya’s water security while also meeting the country’s urban development objectives and supporting industrial growth.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Lorna McNae, Senior Communications Manager, PIDG
