Our Institution

Our Profile

KEWI, as established by the KEWI Act 2001, is mandated to offer training, administer examinations, offer research and consultancy services in the wider water sector.

KEWI has earned the recognition of being a leading institution in producing high caliber human capital for the water sector in the region. Our vision is “To be a World Class Centre of Excellence in Training, Research and Consultancy in the Water and related Sectors”. To achieve this, KEWI with the support from the Government and development partners has invested in capacity building of her staff both locally and internationally. 

Being a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency, KEWI is funded by the Government of Kenya and is also required to generate its income to meet own expenditure. In order to reduce over reliance on the exchequer, the Institute   generates revenue through, offering training and consultancy services at a fee. Some of these consultancy services offered include; Hydro-geological Surveys, Water and Waste Analysis, Environmental Impact Assessments and Audits, Capacity Building and short courses. The Act also mandates the institute to provide a forum for effective collaboration between the public and private sectors and other interested parties for the development of the water and sanitation sectors.

Vision

  • A Technical Centre of Excellence in Training, Research, Innovation and Consultancy in the Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Sector

Mission

  • To offer Competency-Based Training, Research, Innovation, Consultancy and Outreach Services in the Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Sector for sustainable development

Strategic Objectives:

  • To improve access, quality and relevance of training programmes;
  • To upgrade the research function of the Institute;
  • To strengthen consultancy and advisory services;
  • To meet and exceed customer expectations;
  • To strengthen internal corporate governance systems;
  • To enhance institutional capacity

Core Values

  • Good Corporate Governance: We are committed to acting with honesty, fairness, accountability, transparency, and ethics in our operations at all times;
  • Professionalism: We shall maintain high standards in the discharge of responsibilities and delivery of services by abiding to professional considerations on the methods, standards and procedures in our work;
  • Customer focus: We are committed to always placing the customer at the core of the Institute’s business and ensuring high quality of service at all times;
  • Innovativeness: We are committed to fostering a climate which encourages innovation and continuous learning;
  • Inclusivity: We are committed to the principle of teamwork and collaboration with our stakeholders. We shall encourage inclusiveness, respect for diversity of ideas, peoples and cultures;
  • Patriotism: We shall demonstrate a sense of devotion and personal identification with the Institute;
  • Sustainable development: We are committed to supporting the realization of water and food security for sustainable development

 

KEWI has had a close and strong capacity building link with Coast Water Works Development Agency, WASPA, WRA, JICA, KenGen, Care International, Mangat & Patel Engineering, WILO, WaterKiosk, Nairobi City, Malindi, Naivasha, Kakamega, Busia, Embu, Meru and Machakos Water and Sewerage Companies. Other institutions and stakeholders that KEWI has worked closely with are; the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Water Works Development Agency, National Irrigation Authority, UNESCO, GTZ, BFZ, Bola Associates Limited, Cap-Net, Chujio Water Filter Manufacturers, Eastleigh Community Centre among others. 

The institute continues to engage and work closely with all interested and likeminded institutions and organizations. In this regard, KEWI invites all to come and partner with us in all our areas of mandate.

Key Milestones

  • 1960 -  A training unit for water supply operatotrs is established.
  • 1970 - The unit is upgraded to a training section.
  • 1985 - The training section transforms to Kenya Water Institute- KEWI (Now Nairobi, Main Campus).
  • 2001 - The institute becomes a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency
  • 2009 - Chiakariga Campus is opened.
  • 2012 - Kitui and Kisumu Campuses are opened consequtively.
  • 2017 - KEWI is registered as a Research Institution by NACOSTI.
  • 2020 - KEWI launches the eLearning mode of teaching.
  • 2021- KEWI organizes GIS and Earth Observation Symposium for Water Sector in Kenya.
    • KEWI oversees the implementation of Level 6 CBET Programmes.
    • KEWI launches it Strategic Plan.
    • KEWI commences the KEWI Act Review.
  • 2022 - KEWI organizes a Non-Revenue Water Conference.
  • 2023 - KEWI organizes a Water Quality Symposium.