KEWI Invited to Participate in Inaugural African Water Operators Forum
The Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) has received a special invitation to participate as both a delegate and exhibitor at the inaugural African Water Operators Forum (AWOF 2026), scheduled for 24–26 November 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi.
The invitation was extended to KEWI Director/CEO Dr. Leiro Letangule, EBS, by the Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa at the Global Institute for Water, Environment and Health (GIWEH), Mr. Mbaruku Vyakweli, during a meeting at KEWI Headquarters, Nairobi.
Mr. Vyakweli said AWOF 2026 seeks to bring together water utilities, governments, financial institutions, development partners, UN agencies and innovators to advance stronger and more resilient water services across Africa.
He noted that KEWI’s participation is particularly significant given its mandate in training, research and capacity development in the water sector. He observed that the Institute plays an important role in bridging capacity gaps in water and sanitation management by linking technical skills development with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on clean water and sanitation.
Convened by GIWEH and Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, under the patronage of the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, AWOF 2026 brings together UN-Habitat/GWOPA, WOPs International, AfWASA and AMCOW as institutional partners.
The three-day forum will examine challenges arising from rapid urbanisation, climate variability, infrastructure deficits and financing gaps, while promoting Water Operators’ Partnerships (WOPs) and peer-to-peer exchange as practical approaches to strengthening water services.
Among the key instruments expected at the forum are an Investment Marketplace, the African WOPs Impact Compendium, a qualified investment pipeline and partnership agreements aimed at accelerating interventions in the water sector.
KEWI’s participation will provide an opportunity to showcase its contribution to water-sector capacity development while engaging continental stakeholders on skills, knowledge and partnerships for sustainable water management.