Kenya to host 18th convention on Water and Sanitation

Kenya is set to host the 18th continental convention on Water and Sanitation next month.

The 18^th African Water Association (AfWA) Congress will be held in Nairobi from February 22^nd to February 25^th at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), bringing together over 1,500 participants who shall be drawn from over 40 member countries whose water and sanitation utility companies are members of the AfWA caucus.

Kenya, through the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC), won the bid to host the congress against competition from Mali and South Africa two years ago.

The congress is a premier water and sanitation bi- annual event that is being held only for the second time in East Africa.

The first time was in 2010 in Kampala, Uganda.

Speaking at a press briefing – held at Maji House, Nairobi – where he outlined the country’s preparations for the conference, Ministry of Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa said that Kenya stands to benefit a great deal from the congress through shared experiences with other member states, but also through conference tourism.

“Kenya stands to benefit not just through the deliberations that will be taking place at the event,  but also through the immense conference tourism benefits that will come with the congress,” said Wamalwa.

The CS added that Kenya will use the occasion to share experiences with AfWA member countries in a bid to find lasting solutions to perennial water accessibility and sanitation challenges that have faced the country.

“Kenya will use the event to profile itself as a leader in the water and sanitation industry in the region, as well as promote our key attractions to the participants who will be attending the occasion,” said the Water CS.

The theme for this year’s event will be Sustainable Access to Water and Sanitation in Africa – with member countries seeking to find solutions to Africa’s perennial water accessibility and sanitation challenges.

Participants will formulate feasible and viable solutions to address the challenges that have rocked Africa regarding these two issues; perennial water accessibility and sanitation challenges.

After the congress is over, member countries can then implement the recommendations that will have been deliberated upon, and passed.

CS Wamalwa said that preparations for the congress are in high gear with the event expected to go on smoothly during the period.

The CS further said that Kenyans will have an opportunity to experience what various industry players have to offer through the exhibitions that will be set up at the KICC.

The 18^th AfWA Congress comes shortly after Nairobi hosted the 10^th Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) at the KICC.