Successful Dutch economic mission to Kenya: Building momentum for water collaboration

Catalysing water collaboration

Kenya, one of Africa’s leading growth economies with a steady annual growth rate of five percent (IMF), is a thriving market for sustainable solutions in food security, climate-resilient agriculture, soil health, water technology, and water management. As a key trade and investment partner, the Netherlands is highly regarded for its expertise in these areas, making the mission an ideal opportunity for Dutch businesses to connect with Kenyan stakeholders and local partners, gain valuable market insights, and explore potential collaboration opportunities.

Mission highlights

A defining moment of the mission was the visit of the Dutch Royal Couple. Coinciding with the economic mission, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Maxima conducted a state visit to Kenya from 18 to 20 March 2025. They took part in the ‘Doing Business in Kenya’ event, where both the water and horticulture tracks were represented. In this session, Rick Elmendorp presented key areas of opportunities identified by the Kenyan Government, highlighting the Dutch water sector’s competitive edge and its potential to contribute to sustainable solutions.

The mission also showcased impactful initiatives, including Hydrax Water, Florensis in Naivasha, and the Water as Leverage nature-based solutions (NBS) project by NWP members Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners, Witteveen+Bos, TU Delft, and other partners. These field visits gave firsthand insights into ongoing initiatives and revealed opportunities for deeper cooperation. 

Further, the mission facilitated high-level discussions between Dutch delegates and Kenyan policymakers, strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two countries. The delegation also included a significant number of Dutch, Kenyan, and international financiers, playing a crucial role in assessing whether initiatives conceived during the mission could be implemented. Tailor-made financial matchmaking, facilitated by Rebel Group, identified key areas of added value, enhanced compatibility between Dutch and Kenyan stakeholders, and emphasised the importance of closing the finance gap to accelerate the growth of water solutions.

The Dutch Diamond approach was well reflected in the mission’s delegation, which included representatives from the private sector, NGOs, public institutions, and knowledge partners.

Meike van Ginneken, the Dutch Water Envoy, highlighted the gap between project feasibility and implementation. She emphasised that understanding this process and providing the necessary support and resources to all involved sectors remains critical. The mission organisers are committed to addressing this in the follow-up.

Enhance trade and investment 

During the mission, three MoUs and three Letters of Intent were signed by various Kenyan and Dutch organisations, underscoring their commitment to enhancing trade and investment. One of these Letters of Intent is between Invest International and the Kenyan Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, providing €1.5 million in DRIVE technical assistance grants for the feasibility phases of the Naivasha Special Economic Zones Bulk Water Supply Project (led by Royal Haskoning DHV & Rebel Group) and the Sabaki Bulk Water Supply Project (led by Climate Fund Managers & Utility Partners Limited).

Key takeaways

As the Water Track leader, Rick Elmendorp concluded the mission on behalf of the water companies present. He reflected on the achievements and setting the stage for continued collaboration. “Kenya presents abundant opportunities in affordable water solutions, water harvesting, groundwater resilience, flood management, smart irrigation, and digitalisation. With the launch of Kenya’s National Water and Sanitation Investment Plan, there is strong momentum for investment and public-private partnerships (PPPs). However, success hinges on an enabling environment, one that fosters collaboration among businesses, local governments, civil society, and financial institutions. Government support and knowledge sharing will be crucial in ensuring long-term cooperation. Bridging the finance gap is essential to scaling up water initiatives and attracting investment.”

Participant Valentin Post from FINISH Mondial, reflected: ‘The sanitation, water and agriculture silos were broken down during the trade mission’. 

Another participant, Lieselotte Heederik from Nazava highlighted the success of the Trade Mission to Kenya, noting: "The minister launched the trade mission to Kenya with a promise to open doors - and indeed, so many doors have opened! From matchmaking sessions to networking events and the business forum, opportunities have flourished. Huge thanks to Netherlands Water Partnership, the Netherlands Embassy, The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), and Rebel Group for organising such a successful trade mission. The doors are open, and we’re walking through them!"

Looking ahead

The mission reinforced the shared commitment of the Netherlands and Kenya to strengthen cooperation in the water sector. This mission is just the beginning. NWP is dedicated to building on this foundation and fostering continued engagement to turn opportunities into lasting partnerships.

Stay tuned as we work with the sector to drive impactful collaborations in Kenya’s water sector.