Chinese investors eye Kenya's blossoming water industry

Several Chinese firms have eyed the Kenyan water industry, whose potential for growth is huge thanks to macroeconomic stability and policy reforms, executives said on Monday.

Speaking to Xinhua on the sidelines of the Africa Water Association Congress and Exhibition in Nairobi, the Chinese executives were optimistic the market for water technologies in Kenya will experience an exponential growth.

Dick Gong, the regional manager of Dongying Nuoer Chemical Company Limited, said Kenya is the next frontier for investments in water treatment chemicals and technologies.

"Kenya's nascent market for water treatment chemicals has potential for growth. As the country urbanizes rapidly, the demand for clean drinking water is huge," he told Xinhua.

Gong's company deals with water treatment, mineral processing and paper making chemicals, and has a large presence in China and Europe.

The manager told Xinhua Kenyan utilities were keen to adopt this water treatment technology.

"We are looking for local partners to supply this water treatment technology," he said, adding that Kenyan water utility managers are keen to invest in cutting-edge and affordable treatment technologies.

Four Chinese firms were showcasing water equipment and treatment technologies during the four-day Pan African water congress in Nairobi.

Kevin Chen, the head of sales of SYI Pipeline, said demand for water supply infrastructure in Kenya and neighboring countries is high.

SYI Pipeline deals with pipes, fittings and valves and has established a footprint in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and South Sudan.

Kevin noted that Kenya is a huge market for water supply equipment as both the national and county governments intensify efforts to expand access to the commodity.

"The prospects so far are good since Kenya and the African continent is where every company is looking forward to invest. We are ready to forge partnership with local franchise or supply directly to water projects under implementation," Chen told Xinhua.

He added that a level playing field is key to enhance the competitiveness of foreign companies keen on investing in the Kenyan water industry.

Kenyan water utility managers have encouraged Chinese firms to invest in the nascent market for water supply infrastructure and treatment solutions.

Sylvester Kiai, the CEO of Kenya Water Industry Association, said China is a source of cutting-edge technologies on water supply and treatment.

"At this juncture when the country has deepened cooperation with China, we are in a better position to source water technologies from the Asian giant," Kiai told Xinhua. Enditem