The Kenya Water and Sanitation Network (KEWASNET) was founded in August 2007 to enable civil society organizations involved in the Water and Sanitation Sector (WSS) to work in a coordinated manner.

The overall purpose of the Network is to ensure that Kenyans have access to affordable and safe water and sanitation services in a sustainable context. The membership is drawn from civil society organizations that are working to improve water resource management and increase efficiency in service delivery in water and sanitation services.

Broadly, KEWASNET provides a linkage between service providers and consumers by facilitating partnerships between policy makers and stakeholders and encouraging equitable  participation by all parties in governance and decision-making mechanisms.
Organizational identity
KEWASNET is registered as a non-governmental voluntary, non-partisan and non-profit trust under the Kenyan Trustees Act. Nationwide recruitment of member civil society organizations is ongoing so as to continuously increase citizen participation in the management of Kenya’s water and sanitation services.

The participation of civil society organizations in all-important decision-making about management of water resources is legitimized in the Water Act 2002. In keeping with the main principles outlined in the Water Act2002, KEWASNET seeks broader participation in the monitoring and evaluation of policy implementation and in all areas related to the management of water resources and services.

This is to ensure that the development of water resources and access to water services is socially acceptable to different citizen groups, especially marginalized communities. A related aim is to ensure that the supply of water to the poor is achieved through government and its agencies, at acceptable levels, and in compliance with the provisions of the Water Act 2002.

Our Vision
We envisage a society with access to safe water and sanitation.

Our Mission
To promote good governance in the water and sanitation sector.

Organizational Principles and Core Values
We place the highest premium to the principles and core values outlined below;
i)Integrity, transparency and accountability
ii)Efficiency
iii)Effectiveness
iv)Professionalism
v)Respect for others in all aspects  
vi)Teamwork
vii)Responsibility and commitment in our work
viii)Equality, equity and inclusion especially of poor and marginalized groups
ix)Honesty in all things, big or small.

Overall Goal
Increased access and improve governance in the water and sanitation services sector.

KEWASNET’s objectives are to:

1.Build and strengthen the capacity and governance structures of member civil society organizations.

2.Influence Water and Sanitation Sector reforms, through the greater involvement of civil society organizations in decision-making and policy implementation at all levels.

3.Establish a national network and provide a platform for diverse voices from civil society organizations, including those operating in communities that are under-served, so that information is disseminated, knowledge and best practices are shared, and communication is coordinated.

4.Strive for gender responsiveness in the promotion and provision of water and sanitation services.

5.Provide specialized technical support for the implementation of WSS strategies and monitor government commitment to furthering citizen rights and carrying out reforms in water and sanitation provision.

6.Support multi-sectoral themes such as climate change, health, environment and human rights as they relate to WSS delivery.