NCBA Bank has partnered with the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency (LVNWWDA) and Water.org to unlock up to KES 500 million in financing to strengthen contractors operating in Kenya’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
The partnership, unveiled during a contractors’ forum in Kakamega attended by more than 100 contractors, seeks to address one of the sector’s most persistent challenges — access to affordable and flexible financing for project execution.
Through NCBA’s WASH financing programme powered by Water.org, contractors will access financing solutions ranging from KES 300,000 to KES 500 million to support project implementation, equipment acquisition and business sustainability.
Flexible Financing to Support Project Delivery
The financing package includes equipment financing for up to 60 months and capital expenditure and project financing for up to 120 months. Contractors will also be eligible for funding of up to KES 6 million without traditional collateral requirements by leveraging receivables or awarded project contracts as security.
NCBA said the tailored financing solutions are intended to ease liquidity constraints that often delay project execution and limit contractor capacity, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises.
Dennis Njau, Group Director for Retail Banking at NCBA Bank, said investments in water infrastructure extend beyond construction and directly contribute to broader economic outcomes.
“Water infrastructure remains one of the most critical enablers of economic growth, public health, food security and climate resilience. Through this partnership with Water.org and LVNWWDA, we are providing more than financing. We are building an ecosystem that gives contractors access to the capital, liquidity and financial solutions they need to deliver projects efficiently and sustainably. Ultimately, this translates into improved access to water and sanitation for communities across Kenya,” said Njau
Strategic Partnerships to Accelerate Infrastructure Development
The Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency welcomed the initiative, noting that financing remains a key enabler in accelerating infrastructure development across the region.
Mark Kanda, LVNWWDA Representative, welcomed the partnership, noting that access to financing remains critical to accelerating water and sanitation infrastructure projects.
“As we work to expand access to water and sanitation services across our region, strong partnerships between implementing agencies, financiers and contractors are essential. This collaboration will strengthen the contractor ecosystem and support the timely delivery of infrastructure that improves lives and drives economic development.”
Contractors Highlight Financing Gaps
Contractors participating in the forum identified limited access to working capital as one of the major barriers to project implementation.
Samuel Mukanzi, Managing Director of Barbrican Dimensions, said many contractors struggle to mobilise resources and maintain project schedules due to delayed cash flows and limited financing options.
“Without adequate liquidity, it becomes difficult to mobilise resources, keep projects on schedule, and deliver the quality infrastructure that communities need. That is why we are encouraged by NCBA’s financing solutions, which we believe will give contractors the financial support they need to grow their businesses and execute projects more efficiently, ” said Samuel Mukanzi, Director, Barbrican Dimensions Limited.” said Samuel Mukanzi
Driving Economic Growth Through WASH Investments
The collaboration reflects the increasing importance of public-private-development partnerships in mobilising capital for infrastructure investment.
Beyond improving access to clean water and sanitation, investments in WASH infrastructure support public health outcomes, agricultural productivity, food security and climate resilience.
NCBA said the initiative aligns with its broader strategy to deepen infrastructure financing and create shared economic, environmental and social value through targeted sector investments.
“The contractors gathered here today are not simply seeking financing; they are implementing national development,” added Dennis. “Every pipeline laid, every treatment facility built, and every sanitation project completed creates lasting impact for communities. By strengthening contractor resilience, we strengthen Kenya’s development journey.”