Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) hosted a two-day Water Treatment and Recycling Workshop, bringing together government officials, international experts, researchers, and industry practitioners to explore innovative solutions for sustainable water management.
The workshop running 28-29, October 2025, provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and hands-on demonstrations focused on advancing water treatment technologies and recycling practices. Participants engaged in discussions on scalable and sustainable water solutions aimed at addressing Kenya’s growing water scarcity and environmental challenges.
During the laboratory sessions, attendees gained firsthand experience in applying innovative water treatment technologies using locally available materials such as activated charcoal, sand, and gravel. They were also introduced to the Backwash method, a crucial process where water is reversed through the filtration system to flush out trapped impurities and restore filter efficiency.
This approach, when combined with locally sourced filtration media, offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for improving water quality, particularly in rural and community-based projects.
The event sought to utilize both practical and theoretical approaches to deepen participants’ understanding of modern water treatment and recycling methods. By blending scientific research, hands-on training, and policy dialogue, the workshop aimed to strengthen technical capacity and inspire collaborative solutions toward sustainable water resource management.
In her opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, underscored the urgency of sustainable water management, noting that “water is at the heart of life itself, as it sustains our health, drives agriculture, and powers industry.”
With water resources facing unprecedented global challenges, Prof. Ngumi emphasized the need for innovative treatment and recycling practices that encourage responsible use and safeguard the availability of clean water for future generations.
“Kenya’s per capita water supply has dropped to about 600 cubic meters annually, less than 20% of what was available at independence in 1963. If current climate and population trends continue, this figure could fall below 500 liters per person per day by 2040”, said Prof. Ngumi.
The Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Production and Extension, Prof. Jackson Kwanza, noted that the workshop aligns with JKUAT’s commitment to advancing research-driven solutions and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to promote sustainable water management across Kenya and beyond.
Prof. David Hunkeler, Director of AQUA+TECH Switzerland and the workshop’s Chief Guest, emphasized the importance of utilizing locally available materials in developing affordable and efficient water treatment systems.
He noted that adopting such context-appropriate technologies not only reduces costs but also empowers communities to take ownership of water management solutions, particularly in resource-limited and rural settings.
Prof. Hunkeler further observed that large-scale water treatment remains a major bottleneck in many developing regions, mainly due to the high cost of coagulants and bio coagulants (chemical and natural agents used to bind and remove suspended particles from water) as well as the complex infrastructure required.
He added that leveraging local resources and simpler technologies can help bridge this gap effectively. By combining scientific innovation with locally sourced materials, he said, countries can significantly reduce dependency on imported solutions while promoting environmental stewardship and community resilience.
Eng. Vincent Kabuti, Secretary for Irrigation in the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainable water management through policy frameworks, infrastructure development, and research partnerships.
He noted that the government, through the National Water Master Plan and various community-based irrigation projects, continues to prioritize the expansion of water treatment and recycling systems to ensure equitable access to safe and clean water.
“The Ministry remains committed to working with universities and research institutions to scale up practical, affordable, and eco-friendly water solutions that advance the country’s development goals,” said Eng. Kabuti.
The workshop concluded with a renewed call for continued collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, industry players, and communities to advance sustainable water management practices. Participants agreed that integrating research, innovation, and local solutions will be key to developing scalable approaches that address Kenya’s water challenges.
