Currently, the Sabaki Water Project is at the negotiation stage of the Concession Agreement with the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation and Water Service Providers in Kilifi and Mombasa counties (Kilifi Mariakani Water and Sewerage Company, Malindi Water and Sewerage Company and Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company).

The Project is designed to deliver lasting impact and sustainability through:

• Water Accessibility – Meeting a real basic need through accessible and safe water provision, in light of severe safe water inaccessibility to residents of the project area
• Climate-smart infrastructure – sustainable water abstraction powered by renewable energy and energy-efficient treatment technologies.
• Community participation and employment – Extensive and inclusive stakeholder engagements, local engagement, and job creation opportunities for qualified local residents, including youth and women.
• Strong governance – transparent oversight and accountability mechanisms that build public trust.
• Operational efficiencies – leveraging private operators’ proven experience to ensure efficient, reliable, and continuous service delivery.

• The Project intends to abstract water from the Baricho Aquifer in Kilifi County, supplying up to 80 million litres per day in line with sustainable yield assessments

• The Project will supply clean, reliable, and safe water to approximately 650,000 residents across Kilifi and Mombasa counties.
• The proposed service areas include Nyali, Bamburi, Kisauni and Shanzu (Mombasa County) and Mtwapa, Kanamai, Vipingo, and Watamu (Kilifi County).

Communities are at the heart of the Project and will be involved in several ways:

• As users – accessing affordable, reliable, and clean water and sanitation services.
• Through stakeholder engagement – inclusive consultations and dialogue that enable community participation in grievance redress, monitoring, and transparent decision-making.
• Through job creation – providing employment opportunities for qualified local residents, including youth and women, during the construction and operation phases of the Project.

The Project integrates community development and social impact initiatives throughout its lifecycle:

• Past initiatives: In 2021/2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project promoter supported communities by supplying water tanks and sanitation facilities to 35 schools in Kilifi County and hospital equipment to Mombasa General Hospital—a contribution of about USD 400,000.
• During development: 4% of the Development Budget is set aside for community development activities, guided by an assessment of local needs and opportunities.
• During construction: 0.35–0.5% of Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) will fund the implementation of the community development programme.
• During operations: 1% of Annual Revenue will be invested in long-term initiatives in health, education, and livelihoods, guided by community input and transparent reporting.

• No, not necessarily in water-related initiatives. The CSR focus will be guided by a community needs assessment to identify and support priority areas such as health, education, and livelihoods.

• The Sabaki Water Project will ensure a fair, transparent, and lawful compensation process for all affected persons, in full compliance with Kenyan regulations and aligned with international best practice standards.

The Project will maintain an open and accessible Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) throughout its life — during construction and into operations:

• Public concerns, queries, or complaints can be lodged through community, county, or project channels.
• A GRM Committee with community representation will receive and address feedback and concerns.
• A Grievance Response Committee will review and resolve cases through a fair and transparent process, with clear escalation options in line with national laws and best practice.

Yes. The Project will prioritise local residents, including youth and women, for both skilled and unskilled job opportunities.

• Recruitment will be transparent, fair, and non-discriminatory.
• Employment will include casual, contractual, and permanent positions based on project needs.
• Local businesses will also have opportunities to supply goods and services during construction and operation.

• No. Anyone aged 18 years and above with the required skills and qualifications can apply. The Project will prioritise qualified local youth and women, but opportunities remain open to all eligible applicants in line with Kenyan labour laws.

• Water connections will be provided to serve approximately 650,000 residents across Kilifi and Mombasa counties.
• Households and public institutions such as schools, hospitals, and markets within the service areas will receive direct connections.
• Details on the connection process and applicable charges will be shared with stakeholders, the public, and potential customers at the appropriate time.

• Tariffs will be determined by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) through a regulated, participatory process.
• Water use will be monitored through smart household meters, ensuring accurate and transparent billing.

Residents will remain free to keep their existing borehole supplies. However, the Project will provide a more reliable, affordable, and higher-quality non-saline water alternative, and it is expected that many will choose to connect once the benefits become clear.

• The Project’s water abstraction will be guided by comprehensive hydrogeological studies and continuous monitoring to ensure sustainable use of the Baricho Aquifer and prevent over-exploitation.
• Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) will be conducted in line with national and international standards, with mitigation measures strictly implemented.
• Regular environmental audits and collaboration with relevant agencies (WRA, NEMA, and county governments) will ensure compliance, ecosystem protection, and long-term sustainability of the resource.

• The Project incorporates strong environmental safeguards to ensure clean water, healthy ecosystems, and sustainable operations:
• Wastewater conveyance and treatment systems will manage sewage safely and efficiently.
• Pollution controls will protect rivers, marine ecosystems, and local biodiversity.
• Solar power integration will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lowering emissions and contributing to cleaner air and water for surrounding communities.

For more information updates, please visit the Project website: www.sabakiwater.co.ke or contact us through our email: info@sabakiwater.co.ke or phone numbers: +254 732 188 634 / +254 117 686 467.