Nairobi, Kenya — 13 May 2026

The Frank Water Institute will convene leading practitioners, policymakers, researchers and development partners in Nairobi for the Water Dialogue Nairobi 2026, a one-day event focused on the future of integrated water resource management (IWRM), WASH implementation, and sustainable water infrastructure across Kenya and East Africa.

Hosted at Assembly Space at KOFISI Square on Riverside Drive, the event combines a morning masterclass on Applied Water Resource Management with an afternoon Water Dialogue featuring two expert panel discussions and audience engagement sessions.

The dialogue comes at a pivotal moment for Kenya’s water sector. Kenya’s Water Forward Compacts (2026–2030) are expected to mobilise close to US$10 billion toward universal water access, irrigation expansion, and the creation of more than half a million jobs. The event aims to connect these national ambitions with the operational realities faced by implementers and communities on the ground.

Today’s discussions also coincide with the ongoing Africa Forward meeting in Nairobi, bringing additional international attention to Africa-led solutions, partnerships, and investment priorities across climate resilience and sustainable development.

The afternoon Water Dialogue will explore two key themes:

• The role of integrated water resource management in Kenya’s economic and social development.
• The challenges facing implementers delivering WASH and water infrastructure projects across Kenya and East Africa.

Jon Shepherd, Co-CEO of Frank Water, said:

“Across Africa, we are seeing growing momentum behind locally led water and climate solutions that Frank Water focuses on. Bringing the Frank Water Institute Water Dialogue to Nairobi at the same time as the Africa Forward meeting reflects the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing and practical action. Kenya has set out an ambitious vision for water access and resilience, and these events are about ensuring the right voices — from policymakers to frontline implementers — are part of shaping how that vision is delivered.”

The event is free to attend and designed to foster collaboration between stakeholders working across water governance, sanitation, climate resilience, infrastructure delivery and community development.

The Frank Water Institute said the dialogue forms part of its wider commitment to supporting evidence-based, inclusive and sustainable approaches to water resource management globally.

Press & Media

Notes to Editors

For more information about Frank Water and the Frank Water Institute, visit Frank Water or for media information, contact Milly Sibson at msibson@frankwater.com 

About the Frank Water Institute

The Frank Water Institute (FWI) is a platform for dialogue, learning and collaboration focused on sustainable water resource management, WASH implementation, and climate resilience. Through expert convenings, masterclasses and cross-sector partnerships, the Institute supports knowledge exchange between practitioners, policymakers, researchers and development organisations working to improve water security and equitable access to safe water.

The Water Dialogue Nairobi 2026 forms part of the Institute’s commitment to fostering practical, locally informed solutions to water and sanitation challenges across Africa and beyond.

About Frank Water

Frank Water is an international NGO working to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in underserved communities. Founded in 2005, the organisation partners with local organisations, communities and governments to deliver sustainable water solutions and strengthen long-term water security.

Frank Water’s work spans community-led WASH programmes, water stewardship, climate resilience and systems strengthening, with a strong emphasis on locally led development and sustainable impact.

More information: Frank Water