National Water Authority

What National Water Authority does

National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority (NWHSA) is a Kenyan government state corporation established under Section 30 of the Water Act 2016 and operational since April 2017 as the successor to the former National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation. Operating under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation & Irrigation, it holds the statutory mandate to develop national public water works for water resources storage and flood control. Its portfolio spans large dams (Chemususu, Maruba, Kiserian, Soin-Koru, Siyoi-Muruny, Isiolo, Bosto), medium dams (Kirandich, Kalundu), more than 1,100 small dams and pans with ~20 million m3 cumulative storage, approximately 2,000 boreholes serving an estimated 6 million people, and active flood-control infrastructure across the Nyando, Kuja, Sabwani, Kalawase, and Marigat river systems. Technical differentiators include solar-powered borehole systems, river training structures, and integrated flood-control-plus-water-harvesting assets such as Soin-Koru (93.7MCM capacity, 2.5MW hydropower, irrigation for 2,570 hectares).

The authority's business model is government appropriation rather than commercial sale: it does not charge citizens for water infrastructure, and revenue (which is not publicly disclosed) flows from national budgetary allocations and development partner funding. Go-to-market is institutional, executed through direct government delivery, MOUs with county governments and Water and Sanitation Companies (e.g., KEWASCO in April 2026), school and community water projects, and a public procurement and AGPO portal. Beneficiary segments are communities in Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, flood-prone regions, pastoralists, schools, and county-level WASCOs. Recent activity (April 2026) shows formalization of governance and institutional partnerships, with ongoing advancement of flagship assets such as Siyoi-Muruny at 89.4% physical completion and Isiolo Dam moving through NEMA approval.

Name

National Water Authority

Legal name

National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority

Website

https://waterauthority.go.ke

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority (NWHSA) is a Kenyan government state corporation that builds and manages national water infrastructure — large and medium dams, 1,100+ small dams/pans, 2,000 boreholes, and flood-control works — serving ASAL communities, flood-prone areas, and county governments across Kenya.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Water Infrastructure Services

NAICS

Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (22131), Water, Sewage and Other Systems (2213), Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs (924110)

SIC

Water Supply (4941), Water, Sewer, Pipeline, Comm & Power Line Construction (1623), Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Supply & Wastewater Utilities Administration (BPAIACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Detention, Retention & Storage Systems (Ponds, Tanks, Vaults) (EUANAEAD), Water Source Development & Intake Systems (Wells, Boreholes, Intakes) (AFAAACAI), Water Resources Administration (Watersheds, Rivers, Groundwater) (BPAIAMAE)

Keywords

• Water infrastructure development
• Dam construction services
• Flood control infrastructure
• Groundwater development
• Water storage solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Nairobi

HQ country

Kenya

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: NWHSA is a state corporation under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation & Irrigation. Operations are funded through government budgetary allocations and development partner funding. The authority does not generate commercial revenue from water sales.
2. Public Asset Disposal: Periodic public auctions for disposal of motor vehicles, motorcycles and other equipment no longer required for operations

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority (NWHSA) is a Kenyan government State Corporation that develops and manages national public water works across Kenya's 47 counties. Its core offerings include large and medium dams for water storage and supply, over 1,100 small dams and pans in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, approximately 2,000 boreholes (including solar-powered systems), and flood control infrastructure such as dykes, drainage channels, and river training structures.

Product overview

National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority (NWHSA) is a Kenyan government authority managing national water infrastructure through a portfolio of large dams, medium dams, small dams/pans, boreholes, and flood control projects. Large dams include Chemususu, Maruba, Kiserian, Siyoi-Muruny, and Soin-Koru serving populations from 200,000 to 600,000. Medium dams like Kirandich and Kalundu serve regional populations. The small dams/pans program has over 1,100 structures with 20 million m3 capacity, while approximately 2,000 boreholes serve 6 million people. Flood control infrastructure includes projects on Nyando, Kuja, Sabwani, Kalawase, and Marigat rivers. Community water projects like Kalukyat and Unoa school water projects provide localized water access through boreholes and solar-powered systems. The authority operates under the Water Act 2016 mandate for national public water works development, water resources storage, and flood control.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Chemususu Dam Large dam infrastructure in Baringo County with 12 million cubic meters storage capacity, yielding 35,000m3/day to supply Eldama Ravine Township and environs, benefiting approximately 600,000 people.
• Maruba Dam Dam in Machakos County with 2.45 million m3 storage capacity, serving over 200,000 residents with water supply increased from 2,050 m3/day to 8,700m3/day after rehabilitation.
• Kiserian Dam 18m high dam along Kiserian River supplying 15,700m3/day to Kiserian, Ongata Rongai and Ngong townships, serving 252,744 people in Kajiado County.
• Soin-Koru Dam Multi-purpose dam on Nyando River with 93.7MCM storage capacity, supplying 72,000m3/day for domestic use, irrigating 2,570 hectares, and generating 2.5MW hydropower.
• Isiolo Dam Proposed dam at Crocodile Jaws site to regulate Ewaso Nyiro River flows, serving 220,726-564,819 people, with 60,000m3/day treatment plant and 16MW hydropower potential.
• Siyoi-Muruny Dam Dam in West Pokot County designed to provide clean water to 350,000 people across Kapenguria and surrounding areas, with 89.4% physical progress completed.
• Muruny Dam 30m high earth fill embankment dam near Kapsait Primary School with 327,850m3 embankment volume, including diversion culverts, spillway, and raw water pipeline.
• Kirandich Dam Medium-sized reservoir in Baringo County commissioned in 2001, serving Kabarnet town and surrounding areas with 4 million metre cubics capacity.
• Kalundu Dam Dam in Kitui Central sub-county with 500,000 cubic metres capacity supporting horticulture activities, serving approximately 174,832 people.
• Small Dams and Pans Program Over 1,100 small dams and pans constructed across arid and semi-arid lands with approximately 20 million m3 cumulative storage capacity, serving pastoral and farming communities.
• Borehole Drilling Program Approximately 2,000 drilled and equipped boreholes serving six million people across various parts of Kenya, including solar-powered borehole systems for sustainable water access in remote and ASAL areas.
• Flood Control Infrastructure Construction and maintenance of dykes, flood barriers, drainage channels, river training structures, and water pans for flood mitigation across major rivers including Nyando, Kuja, and Sabwani.
• Nyando Flood Control Project Large flood mitigation project in western Kenya covering Nyando, Nyakach, and Muhoroni sub-counties, protecting settlements, agricultural land, and infrastructure.
• Kalawase Flood Control Project Flood protection infrastructure in Turkana County including embankments, drainage channels, culverts, and water diversion systems supporting water harvesting.
• Sabwani Flood Control Project Flood control works in Trans Nzoia County including 1.6km dyke construction along River Sabwani to protect communities from seasonal flooding.
• Marigat Flood Control Project Flood management project in Baringo County combining flood barriers, drainage channels, water pans, and river training with water harvesting for irrigation and livestock.
• Kalukyat Water Project Solar-powered borehole project in Mau-Narok Ward, Nakuru County under Maji Mashinani initiative serving thousands of residents for domestic supply, livestock, and small-scale agriculture.
• Unoa Comprehensive School Water Project Water project in Makueni County featuring borehole, solar-powered system, 50,000 litre steel tank, and community water kiosk supporting the Voice of Children Initiative at UNOA Comprehensive School in Wote.
• Gongo Comprehensive School Borehole Project Borehole water project in Kanyamony, Kisumu County providing sustainable clean water to the school and surrounding community with water kiosk.
• Barpello Water Project Water pan project in Baringo County with 14,000 cubic meters storage capacity serving approximately 1,500 persons and 4,000 livestock units.

Quantifiable outcome

• 600,000 people with improved water access from Chemususu Dam
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Dawoodi Bohra CommunitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026Collaboration between NWHSA, parent Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, and Dawoodi Bohra Community for implementation of Unoa Comprehensive School water project in Wote, Makueni County. The partnership provided clean water, improved classrooms, and a greener environment for the school community, demonstrating successful multi-stakeholder cooperation for community development.
• Kericho Water and Sanitation Company (KEWASCO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 April 2026NWHSA and KEWASCO signed an MOU to formalize a strategic partnership for enhancing water harvesting and storage infrastructure within the KEWASCO service area. The MOU establishes a collaborative framework for development and implementation of sustainable water harvesting and storage projects to improve water availability, strengthen climate resilience, and support socio-economic development in Kericho and surrounding areas. Both institutions will jointly identify priority projects, mobilize resources, and provide technical expertise for efficient execution.
• The Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 April 2026NWHSA and ICS signed an MoU providing a structured framework for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives. The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in areas of mutual interest while enhancing institutional capacity and service delivery. ICS is a statutory professional membership organization under the National Treasury established by the Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya Act, with core mandate of promoting good governance in public and private sectors.
• Kenya Forest Service (KFS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint site visits with KFS to Southwest Mau Forest to assess area requiring clearance for proposed Timbilil Dam Project. Partnership for environmental considerations and project planning support.
• Kenya Ethics and Anti-Corruption Academy (KEACA)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCapacity-building training organized by KEACA for NWHSA's Board Risk and Audit Committee on detecting, preventing, and responding to corruption risks in the public sector.
• National Productivity and Competitiveness Centre (NPCC)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTraining on Performance Contracting and Productivity Mainstreaming conducted by NPCC CEO Dr. Nahashon Moitaleel and Ms. Mary Mwova to strengthen NWHSA's performance management systems.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency: Kenyan Water Works Development Agency responsible for water infrastructure in the Lake Victoria North catchment. Directly comparable peer with same legal foundation, infrastructure development scope, and county-level partnership model.
• Tana Water Works Development Agency: Kenyan state corporation established under the Water Act 2016 to develop and manage water infrastructure in the Tana River basin. Directly comparable as a sister Water Works Development Agency with the same statutory mandate, government funding model, and focus on dams, pans, and boreholes.
• Coast Water Works Development Agency: Coast-region Water Works Development Agency with parallel mandate under the Water Act 2016 for water infrastructure including dams and pans in Kenya's coastal counties. Same institutional structure and project categories as NWHSA.
• Athi Water Works Development Agency: Sister Water Works Development Agency under the Water Act 2016 managing water infrastructure development for the Athi river basin including Nairobi metropolitan supply. Operates with identical mandate structure, government funding, and project portfolio mix as NWHSA.

Broad incumbents

• Umgeni Water: South African state-owned water utility operating dams, treatment works, and bulk distribution in KwaZulu-Natal. Comparable as an established African water authority with a multi-purpose dam portfolio analogous to NWHSA's large dams.
• Rand Water: South African bulk water utility supplying potable water across Gauteng and surrounding provinces. Comparable as a large-scale African water infrastructure operator with multi-use dam assets, though focused on urban bulk supply rather than ASAL water harvesting.
• National Irrigation Authority: Kenyan state corporation managing national irrigation infrastructure including dams and canals. Comparable because NWHSA's dams deliver significant irrigation offtake (e.g., Soin-Koru irrigates 2,570 hectares), positioning the Authority as both a complement and partial substitute for irrigation-focused assets.

Others

• International Water Management Institute (IWMI): CGIAR research organization focused on water management in developing countries. Comparable as a knowledge partner for water harvesting and storage projects in Africa, though operating as an international research entity rather than an infrastructure developer.
• African Development Bank - Water Supply and Sanitation: Multilateral financier of large-scale water infrastructure across Africa. Comparable because AfDB co-finances many of the same categories of dam and water harvesting projects NWHSA develops, and influences the policy environment in which the Authority operates.
• Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB): Kenyan regulator for water and sanitation services. Adjacent peer given shared Water Act 2016 framework and frequent interaction with NWHSA on county-level water company oversight, though its role is regulatory rather than infrastructure development.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCicHJAfN52CixR-dEEI7Gdg
• Facebookfacebook.com/307085546299452
• Instagraminstagram.com/water_authorityke
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/national-water-harvesting-storage-authority

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Water Authority