KPCG: Enhancing Climate Finance Effectiveness in Kenya’s Water and Sanitation Sector

On March 27, 2025, the Kenya Platform for Climate Governance (KPCG) participated in a thematic workshop focused on improving the effectiveness of climate finance in strengthening resilience within Kenya’s water and sanitation sector. The event was organized by The Centre for Social Planning and Administrative Development (CESPAD)—a KPCG member—in partnership with the Water Integrity Network (WIN), and brought together a wide range of stakeholders in Nairobi.

The workshop addressed the critical intersection between climate impacts and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) systems. Droughts and floods continue to compromise water access and quality, elevating risks of conflict, disease, and poor sanitation outcomes. While climate finance is essential to address these vulnerabilities, its impact is often limited by inefficiencies, weak governance, and low transparency.

CESPAD, led by CEO Ashah Shaaban, presented its ongoing work in Makueni County—a program that promotes transparency, accountability, and community participation in climate finance for the WASH sector. The initiative has contributed to policy development and capacity building at the county level, offering a replicable model for other regions.

Key areas of progress and best practices shared included:

• Development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks
• Strategic planning for the Makueni County Climate Change Fund Board
• Formulation of key bills including the Environment and Waste Management Bill and the County Forest Management Bill
• Capacity-building sessions for technical working groups, ward-level planning committees, and community leaders on topics such as governance, social accountability, environmental and financial risk management

The workshop featured presentations and insights from county officials and civil society leaders. Ms. Jackline Kamusa, Director for Environment and Climate Change in Makueni County, highlighted the benefits of collaborative governance in WASH implementation. Eng. Makau David, Chief Officer for Water, shared technical and institutional perspectives on local project delivery.

Participants emphasized the need for stronger coordination across agencies, alignment of overlapping mandates, and greater investment in capacity strengthening for technical working groups and local governance structures.

Key contributors included:

1. David Busienei, Chair, CSO Engagement Framework under FLLoCA
2. Nicholas Abuya, Christian Aid
3. Faith Ngige, National Coordinator, KPCG
4. Victoria Adwet, Kisumu Youth WASH Parliament
5. Representatives from the Water Justice Network Kenya
6. George Osoro, Water Integrity Network, East Africa
7. Malesi Shivanji, CEO, KEWASNET
8. Abigail Sein, Kajiado WRUA Council
9. Peter Macharia, Regional Meteorological Services

The workshop concluded with concrete recommendations to enhance governance, streamline institutional roles, and scale successful models that improve the integrity and effectiveness of climate finance for the water and sanitation sector.