Kenya’s water sector has faced many challenges, including low water quality, poor training, and limited job opportunities. However, a new international certification program is helping to change this by giving water operators the skills and credentials they need for a sustainable future.
The initiative emerged from a clear need for better training and certification in Kenya’s water sector, identified by Kalpna Solanki, President and CEO of Game Changers Inc.
During a tour of water facilities in Kenya two years ago, Solanki saw the challenges firsthand: “Kenya has strong training institutions like the Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) and impressive infrastructure, but the gap between training and ensuring safe drinking water was evident,” she shared.
This realization sparked the creation of a diverse certification program, designed to bridge the skills gap in the water treatment industry. The program was launched in collaboration with Water Professionals International (WPI), the Water Sector Workers Association Network of Kenya, and local stakeholders to provide globally recognized certification for water professionals.
The first cohort of 40 participants was selected from hundreds of applicants, representing diverse regions of Kenya’s water industry. After intensive training and a challenging examination, 29 candidates earned their certifications, achieving an impressive 71% pass rate. This outcome mirrors pass rates in countries with long-established certification programs, making it a remarkable achievement for Kenya’s water sector.
At the graduation ceremony, Paul D. Bishop, President and CEO of WPI, celebrated the program’s success, stating, “This certification program is not just about improving technical knowledge; it’s about empowering water professionals to safeguard public health and the environment.”
One of the graduates Celestino Odongo Ouma, a water engineer and founder of Keans Water Solutions, expressed his pride in being part of the program.
“I am proud to have graduated and earned an international certification, the first of its kind in Kenya’s water sector. I learned about best practices, emerging technologies, and critical aspects of water treatment, knowledge which will significantly impact my business,” he shared.
Ouma, who runs a start-up specializing in water and wastewater treatment, plumbing, irrigation, and drainage, believes that the certification has given him and his business a competitive edge. “This certification is a game-changer. It bridges a critical gap in our industry by offering recognition that is globally respected. Previously, applying for jobs abroad in countries like Canada or the USA was challenging because Kenyan certifications alone weren’t enough. This new credential elevates our standing, providing Kenyan professionals with an edge to compete Internationally,” he said.
For women in the water sector, this program is also seen as an important step towards greater inclusion. Zippy Keneli Kisaka, an alumna of KEWI and one of the graduates, reflected on the challenges women face in the traditionally male-dominated field. “The water sector has long been dominated by men, but this program shows that change is happening,” she said, encouraging more women to pursue careers in water.
“It’s a fulfilling career that offers the potential for financial independence and I plan to share the insights gained with others who did not manage to enroll in the program,” she adds.
Despite the successes of the program, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable water solutions for Kenya. Anthony Njaramba, CEO of the Water Sector Workers Association Network of Kenya, pointed out the urgent need for action to combat declining water quality.
According to the impact board of the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB), water quality in Kenya has declined by 2 to 3% in recent years.
“In a world where technology is improving and we are modernizing everything with AI and better skills, this decline in water quality is deeply concerning,” Njaramba said.
Furthermore, Kenya’s water sector faces a heavy reliance on external support, which limits local expertise and innovation.
“Our knowledge as water operators remains minimal, and we need to address this challenge urgently,” Njaramba stressed.
The solution, according to him, lies in continued training and capacity building. “Through training and capacity building, we can transform this sector—not in the traditional way, but differently,” he said.
Charles Chitechi, President of the Water Sector Workers Association (WASWAK), echoed Njarambas’ views stating the need for continued investment in the sector to address issues such as non-revenue water, which costs the country billions of shillings annually.
“Non-revenue water is a major issue due to leaks, burst pipes, and faulty meters. Addressing this will save resources and improve service delivery,” he said. Chitechi also stressed the importance of providing job opportunities for qualified professionals. “Through this program, we are equipping workers to find employment both locally and globally.”
In response to some of the challenges, the Water Services Providers Association (WASPA) has initiated the creation of a training center that will cater specifically to professionals in the sector. “We have already purchased one acre of land using our resources to ensure we are not dependent on external support. This center will cater specifically to those already in the system, those aspiring to join, those auxiliary to the system, and even those peripheral to it. ,” Njaramba shared. “This training center will ensure that we build local capacity and address systemic issues in the sector.”
The success of the first group of certified professionals in the water sector shows the power of education and training. However, some graduates, like Okoth, suggested that future programs should be longer to allow more time for learning. “The program was intense, covering eight modules in just four days. A two-week program would give participants more time to fully understand the material,” Okoth said. Despite this, he expressed gratitude to the organizers for creating a valuable initiative.
