Home - Sabaki Water Project

Clean Water, Safer Future for Kenya's Coastal Region

The Sabaki Water Project aims to transform lives in Kilifi and Mombasa Counties through a Sustainable Public-Private Partnership providing clean water, sanitation and energy infrastructure

The Challenge: Low Access to Piped Water and Sanitation

Close to a million residents in Mombasa and Kilifi face water scarcity, poor sanitation and rising health risks

For decades, 650,000+ residents have been underserved by current water systems; resulting in poor health, low school attendance, economic stagnation, and gender inequality

The Sabaki Water Project: A Bold Solution to a Persistent Problem

The Sabaki Water Project is a long-term Public-Private Partnership to deliver clean water and sanitation infrastructure to Mombasa and Kilifi Counties

Co-developed by Utility Partners One (UPO) and Climate Fund Managers (CFM), the project will collaborate closely with its public sector partners – Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Kilifi Mariakani Water and Sewerage Company Limited (KIMAWASCO), Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company (MOWASCO) and Malindi Water and Sewerage Company (MAWASCO), Kilifi County Leadership and Mombasa County Leadership.

Delivering Water, Dignity and Development

The Sabaki Water Project will be implemented in two counties (Kilifi and Mombasa) and in 8 Sub-Counties, namely Ganze, Kilifi North, Kilifi South, Malindi, Magarini, Rabai, Kisauni and Nyali. It will deliver a comprehensive system and tangible impact from source to tap through implementation of the following key components:

Water Supply

The project will draw up to 80 million litres of water per day from the Baricho aquifer in Kilifi County

Main Pipeline

A 100 km transmission pipeline will carry treated water from Baricho to Nguu Tatu reservoir in Mombasa, with branches reaching Watamu, Mtwapa, and other surrounding areas. A second 40 km will transfer water to Watamu.

Distribution Network

A 1,000 km network of smaller pipelines will deliver water directly to homes and businesses in selected areas of Kilifi (Mtwapa, Watamu) and Mombasa (North mainland) Counties.

Sanitation Services

The project includes systems to collect and treat up to 35 million litres of wastewater per day.

Clean Energy

A 12MW solar power plant will provide part of the energy needed to run the project, reducing reliance on grid power and lowering energy costs.

From Groundbreaking to Generational Impact

Sabaki Water Project Phases

Development Phase (August 2025 to July 2026)

The project is currently in development phase leading to Project Agreement and subsequently Financial Close.

Construction Phase (24–30 months)

Construction of new works and integration with existing systems.

Operation Phase (20 years of service delivery)

Water and sanitation services are provided as per the contract term.

Handover Phase (Return to public authorities):

At the end of term, the project will be handed over to MOWSI, MOWASSCO, MAWASCO and KIMAWASCO

Community Impact Beyond Infrastructure

The Sabaki Water Project aims to empower communities by stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, reducing poverty, improving public health, and enhancing resilience to climate variability and change.

The goal of the Sabaki Water Project is to enhance the quality of life for communities in Kilifi and Mombasa Counties.

The project aims to mitigate the coastal region’s water crisis by improving access, quality, availability, and sustainability of water through clean, affordable water and dignified sanitation for over 650,000 residents in Kilifi and Mombasa Counties.

Community-First Budget Allocations

Community development will be supported throughout the entire project: from development, through to construction and during the 20-year operations period.

Project Impact

The Sabaki Water Project will deliver positive, tangible, social and economic impact

Economic and Commercial Growth

- Increased economic growth due to lower business costs and better business performance because of reliable water supply.
- Creation of employment opportunities leading to socio-economic development and poverty reduction.