National Conference on Enhancing Bankability and Blended Financing for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Initiatives and SMEs in Kenya

Introduction

Reports show that globally over 2 billion people lack access to clean water and 3.6 billion to safe sanitation services. Known as the Finance Gap, it is estimated that $114 billion annually is needed to meet UN SDGs around water and sanitation. In Kenya, $12.9 billion in WASH investments are needed to expand and improve WASH services. However, mobilizing this capital has proven extremely difficult. Currently, the current government budget for water and sanitation is $5.6 billion, leaving a $7 billion gap (USAID, 2022). This conference illuminates the difficulties for WASH financiers that hinder them from deploying capital in Kenya and WASH SMEs, Companies and Service Providers in accessing that capital. The sessions will focus on creating greater understanding and alignment between investors and entrepreneurs to leverage more financial resources into Kenyan WASH initiatives.

Objectives

The conference will deliberate on prevailing financing challenges in Kenya's water and sanitation sector and identify lessons on enhancing the bankability of WASH initiatives. Furthermore, the sessions will provide a platform for WASH SMEs and companies to learn about financing opportunities and gain insights as to how to strengthen their investment proposals. The conference will also feature success stories and case studies from funders, financiers and entrepreneurs who have successfully employed innovative financing models. Finally, there will be opportunities for financiers and WASH businesses to network, which is expected to lead to new partnerships.

Methodology/Approach

The conference will include presentations, panel discussions, Q&A, a matchmaking session, exhibitions by financiers and SMEs, elevator pitch and market presentations and case studies and success stories. The conference will feature a match making or “shark tank” session, where it is hoped that SMEs will get offers of funding from financiers. The seminar will target eighty people drawn from funding organizations, financing institutions and WASH actors, mainly private sector (WASH SMEs and Companies) and water utilities.

Taking Learnings from Theory to Practice

This event is a follow on to a ‘Panel on Blended Finance and Bankability in WASH’ held in the Netherlands held in July, 2022. Subsequent panels and conferences will be held to continue learning and foster more alignment between investors and the WASH sector. Johkasou Green will also follow up with participants to evaluate the event's outcomes, which will better inform future events.