Experts are urging urgent private sector investment in integrated water resource management (IWRM) to mitigate Kenya's escalating water crisis, which poses significant economic danger due to extended drought and climate change. This call for action came during a consultation workshop hosted by Gatsby Africa and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).

• Water stress in key economic regions like the Athi and Tana basins is projected to result in severe dry season deficits ranging from 57% to 99% and 32% to 64% respectively.
• Dr. John Wandaka, chair of the KEPSA Environment, Water and Natural Resources Sector Board, emphasized water's role as the backbone of economic growth and called for collaboration and policy reforms.
• Despite substantial external funding, including Ksh 258.3 billion in loans and grants from development partners between 2018 and 2024, challenges like inadequate counterpart funding and weak implementation persist.