Antony Ambugo, a seasoned water and sanitation expert, has been appointed the new Country Manager for Water and Sanitation for Urban Populations in Kenya. With a career spanning over a decade, Ambugo brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for improving the lives of low-income communities through access to clean water and sanitation. We caught up with him as he began his leadership stint in Kenya.
What inspired your journey in the water and sanitation sector?
My journey began in 2009 when I started as the manager of SIBO Water and Sanitation Company Limited (SIBOWASCO). This early exposure to the challenges faced by communities in informal settlements ignited my commitment to addressing these issues. Since then, I’ve held key positions in various water service providers, including Tilibei Water and Sanitation Company, focusing on improving access to water and sanitation in rural and urban areas.
Can you share more about your career background?
Before joining WSUP, I served as the Chief Executive Officer at the Water and Sanitation Providers Association (WASPA) since 2017. During my tenure, I played a key role in advocating for improved WASH services nationwide, fostering collaboration among water service providers, and driving innovation in the sector. My career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of marginalised communities through access to essential water and sanitation services.
What is the most pressing challenge in Kenya’s urban sanitation and water provision?
One of the most pressing challenges is ensuring affordable and sustainable access to clean water and sanitation services for low-income communities. Many urban poor areas struggle with inadequate infrastructure and financial barriers that hinder access to these essential services. Cost recovery, the need for subsidies, and the implementation of innovative solutions to address these issues are critical. Improving sanitation facilities and promoting hygiene practices are paramount to enhancing public health and well-being. Data-driven decision-making and the need for innovative solutions are crucial in addressing the complex issues surrounding water and sanitation in urban areas.
How do you plan to address these challenges during your tenure at WSUP?
I will foster strong partnerships with utilities, the Ministry, and government agencies to overcome these challenges. This collaboration will be essential for expanding water infrastructure in underserved areas, implementing innovative financing models, and promoting water conservation. By working closely with these stakeholders, we can develop and implement effective policies, regulations, and programs that prioritise the needs of urban poor communities. Additionally, I will leverage data and technology, including those from our Education, Research and Learning team, to inform our decision-making and measure our impact.
What are utilities’ primary challenges in providing water and sanitation services to the urban poor, and how do you plan to address them?
Utilities currently serve about 30 million people out of an estimated 54 million, but only around 15 million are fully serviced, leaving the rest underserved or unserved. This disparity was particularly evident during the pandemic when water was needed for hygiene, but informal settlements lacked access. The government resorted to costly water trucking, which was not sustainable. To address these challenges, I plan to work closely with utilities to implement strategic plans prioritising informal settlements. This includes advocating for increased subsidies and innovative financing mechanisms to ensure utilities can expand their services without compromising financial stability.
Women and girls often face unique challenges regarding WASH access. Can you share your initial thoughts on how WSUP Kenya can further integrate the needs of women and girls into its WASH interventions, potentially including innovative solutions?
Integrating the needs of women and girls into WASH interventions is essential for achieving sustainable and equitable outcomes. Women and girls face specific challenges such as menstrual hygiene management, safety concerns, and increased vulnerability to waterborne diseases due to a lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
We are collaborating with The UN’s Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF), which has been instrumental in funding and supporting gender-sensitive WASH initiatives in Kenya. We are implementing a Market-Based Sanitation project to support private businesses and public service providers in sanitation and hygiene. With a projected reach of 1.35 million people in the five targeted cities, this initiative is poised to improve underserved communities’ lives significantly. We will work on providing comprehensive MHM solutions, including access to sanitary products, safe and private sanitation facilities, and education on menstrual health. We will ensure that WASH facilities are designed to meet the needs of women and girls. We will focus on building the capacity of local women to take on leadership roles within sanitation initiatives.
How do you plan to improve sustainability and scale up successful practices within the water and sanitation sector?
Sustainability is a major challenge, especially with utilities losing significant water due to inefficiencies and theft. One successful approach is the District Metered Area (DMA) method, which has shown promising results in reducing non-revenue water losses. By breaking down service areas into smaller, manageable units and using bulk meters to monitor water flow, utilities can quickly identify and address losses. This method has been effective in places like Nyeri, which reduced its water losses to 15%.
To scale up this and other successful practices, I will collaborate with institutions like WASPA and others, leveraging their benchmarking platforms and mentorship programs. Sharing best practices and innovations among utilities will help increase coverage in informal settlements and improve overall service efficiency. By engaging with government and private sector partners, we can also drive investments and support for scaling up these initiatives, ensuring that more communities benefit from improved water and sanitation services.
What are your long-term goals for WSUP in Kenya?
My long-term goals for WSUP in Kenya align with WSUP’s global purpose of transforming the lives of urban low-income residents through universal access to clean water. This includes creating sustainable and resilient water and sanitation systems that can withstand future challenges. I also aim to foster strong partnerships with utilities, government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to support the growth and sustainability of the water and sanitation sector.
How do you plan to use data and technology in your approach?
I’m committed to leveraging data and technology to identify areas of greatest need, monitor progress, and evaluate the impact of interventions. By using evidence-based approaches, we can optimise resource allocation and maximise the benefits of our water and sanitation programs.
What are your thoughts on WSUP’s mission and your role in it?
WSUP has a long-standing reputation for developing innovative and sustainable WASH solutions that improve lives. I am honoured to join WSUP and lead its initiatives in Kenya. WSUP’s mission to provide sustainable water and sanitation services for urban populations aligns perfectly with my passion for enhancing the quality of life for low-income urban communities. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at WSUP and our partners to drive impactful change and ensure that every urban resident has access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.
What achievements of WSUP in Kenya are you most proud of?
Since 2007, WSUP has implemented sustainable water and sanitation projects that have empowered communities, impacting the lives of 9,754,481 urban residents. Through partnerships with water utilities and sanitation service providers, WSUP has improved public health, promoted hygiene behaviour change, and created a more dignified life for low-income urban communities in various cities, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Naivasha, Nakuru, Kisumu, Malindi, Eldoret, and Mavoko.
What will be your focus as the Country Manager for WSUP in Kenya?
My focus will be on addressing the critical challenges urban poor communities face in accessing clean water and sanitation. This includes increasing access to sustainable water sources, expanding water infrastructure in informal settlements, promoting water conservation, and improving sanitation and hygiene conditions. I also plan to implement comprehensive hygiene education programs and explore innovative financing mechanisms to ensure the financial sustainability of water and sanitation services. My vision is to raise WSUP Kenya’s profile within the WASH sector and beyond.