Private sector takes charge as Kenya maps out climate-smart industrial future

Kenya’s industrial sector is taking the fight against climate change, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32 per cent by 2030.

A recent report by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers in partnership with the Confederation of Danish Industry and the Kenya Water Institute has revealed how sustainable wastewater management is a game-changing solution to both emissions reduction and resource efficiency.

The report frames wastewater not as waste, but as a vital, reusable resource aligned with the principles of the circular economy.

Speaking during the launch of the report, Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary Julius Korir affirmed the government’s commitment to expanding sanitation access.

“Access to water has improved significantly from 68 per cent to over 75 per cent in 2025. We have expanded sanitation in major towns like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. Our focus now is on emerging towns such as Mandera, Isiolo, Wajir, Chuka, Chogoria, Malindi, Mtwapa, and Kiambu. We are setting up sewer systems to reduce discharge into rivers. These investments are not just about infrastructure but also about dignifying the lives of Kenyans and supporting industry. Industries are both users of water and generators, and therefore, a critical part of the solution,” he said.

KAM Chief Executive Tobias Alando emphasised that the private sector is not waiting to be told what to do.

He reiterated that KAM is not a passive observer in climate action but key actors, as many of their industries have already taken bold steps from recycling greywater in production plants, to installing on-site treatment facilities, and exploring biogas generation from effluent sludge the private sector is already innovating.

“We believe industry is not a We are also seeing industrial parks experimenting with zero liquid discharge systems, textile companies treating and reusing dye water, and food processors tapping into circular economy models. But we are also honest: we know there is more to do. We need a more enabling policy environment, easier access to green financing, and capacity-building to bring SMEs into this journey.”

He also spelled out key recommendations from the report that are essential for scaling up industry-wide action.

These include strengthening policy enforcement, investing in wastewater infrastructure, enabling public-private partnerships (PPPs), building technical capacity, supporting local innovation, adopting circular economy approaches, and leveraging real-time data systems for transparency and accountability.

Kenya Water Institute Leiro Letangule highlighted the potential of wastewater as an untapped resource in climate adaptation.

“This report is a roadmap that shows how wastewater can be transformed into a resource, in alignment with circularity principles. It also shows us the economic and environmental benefits of repurposing, recycling, and reusing water. Promotion of water-saving technologies could be exactly what we need. Investing in climate-smart technologies is not optional; it is essential,” he said.

As Kenya advances toward its 2030 target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 32 per cent, the path forward lies in reimagining wastewater as a driver of resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability. With bold implementation, coordinated partnerships, and an unwavering commitment from both the public and private sectors, Kenya’s industry can lead the way, not just in reducing emissions, but in building a circular economy that works for people, the planet and profit.