Last week, the Grundfos team, led by Hamed Heyhat, CEO of Grundfos Water Utility Division, engaged key stakeholders in Kenya’s water access space to explore innovative business models to tackling challenges faced by utilities. Together with the Water and Sanitation Providers Association, we co-hosted a workshop on Practical Pathways for Energy-Optimised Water Utilities. The session brought together representatives from water service providers (WSPs), Denmark in Kenya, The World Bank, Aqua for All, VEI, and World Waternet. Discussions highlighted how the private sector can partner with utilities to overcome financing and operational hurdles in a landscape shaped by rising operational expenditure occasion by high energy costs, aging infrastructure, and significant levels of non-revenue water. We also showcased how Grundfos energy-optimised solutions can help utilities reduce operational expenditure while addressing non-revenue water. Beyond the workshop, the team visited: • Nairobi water company pumping station at Gigiri, exploring opportunities for energy optimisation to meet growing water demand at lower costs. • Kumpa Water Project, a private enterprise under the WaterStarters franchisee model supported by Amref Health Africa. Here, a Grundfos solar-powered pump installed in a 230 m borehole is transforming lives—providing water access to 3,000 community members, supporting 900 learners at a local school, safeguarding livestock, and enabling irrigation for agriculture. These engagements underscore the critical role of private sector innovation in expanding water access and building resilient, sustainable communities. Anise Sacranie | Michael Nielsen | David Githendu | ANTHONY NJARAMBA
*Comment (تبصرہ):* A brilliant collaboration between public and private sectors to tackle one of the most pressing global challenges—water access and energy efficiency. The solar-powered solution in Kumpa is a strong example of how innovative, sustainable technology can impact lives directly. Kudos to all partners involved! *Question (سوال):* What specific technological advancements were showcased during the workshop that can help other countries adopt similar models for energy-optimised water utilities?
Important work. Improving pumping efficiency while strengthening Non-Revenue Water management gives utilities a direct pathway to reduce losses and stabilize operations. Energy-optimized systems paired with pressure control, accurate metering, and real-time monitoring help cut leakage, protect infrastructure, and improve service reliability. Great to see Kenya advancing both sustainability and NRW reduction through practical, scalable solutions.
Great to see Grundfos driving real impact in Kenya’s water sector. Energy efficiency is key for utilities facing high OPEX. Smart solutions like the 3S pump controller—combining VFD control with intelligent monitoring—can help cut energy waste and stabilize operations.
This is a powerful example of moving beyond technology into true ecosystem transformation. The real challenge and opportunity lies in aligning the different operational cultures, incentives, and processes of private companies, utilities, and communities to make these innovative models stick. That shift from selling pumps to co-creating sustainable water access is a profound business transformation. Inspiring to see this leadership in action.