Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Mugaa has called on the Government of Denmark to expand its support for scholarships and capacity-building opportunities for Kenyan water engineers
Speaking during an official visit to Denmark, where he is leading a delegation from Kenya, CS Mugaa highlighted the partnership between Kenya and Denmark in the water and sanitation sector as a model that can drive sustainable development and innovation.
He made the appeal during meetings with Denmark’s Minister for Environment and Parks, Mr. Magnus Heunicke, and at the House of Green, a Danish hub for promoting green energy and sustainable solutions.
“One of our key asks is capacity-building. The fact that our master’s students are with us here today is a sign that we are creating capacity,” stated CS Mugaa.
“When we build capacity, we expect you to return home and share that knowledge with our ministries and agencies,” he added
Accompanied by members of the Parliamentary Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation, led by Hon. Bowen Kangogo, the CS noted that Kenya is learning valuable lessons from Denmark’s model of sustainable water management and infrastructure development.
“You are pioneers and trailblazers, paving the way for those who will come after you. We hope this programme, which has run for nearly ten years, continues for another decade or more, with even greater participation,” he told Kenyan engineers pursuing further studies in Denmark.
He also noted ongoing reforms in Kenya’s infrastructure financing model, explaining that President William Ruto’s administration is working to establish a National Infrastructure Fund dedicated to financing key projects.
“For too long, we have relied on unpredictable and unorganized sources of funding, such as grants and loans. The National Infrastructure Fund will focus solely on infrastructure, helping us secure the essential resources we need.”
CS Mugaa underscored the critical role of engineers in shaping Kenya’s development trajectory, asserting that their skills are vital to achieving the country’s vision for development.
“Engineers are at the center of everything infrastructure — in roads, in water, and across our cities. The knowledge you gain from this country must ensure that our nation is set on the right trajectory. You are learning from the best, and we expect nothing but the best from you when you return home to practice your craft.” He said
The delegation also included senior officials from the Ministry, regional water agencies, and Kenya’s Ambassador to Denmark, Amb. Angeline K. Musili, who praised the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries.
