Water development,
built to last.
Blackburn Associates Ltd is a Nairobi-based water development and management consultancy, delivering high-impact advisory across the water, sanitation, and hygiene sector — from engineering and finance to policy and institutional reform.
A multidisciplinary team, assembled for impact.
Blackburn Associates Ltd is a Nairobi-based water development and management consultancy established in 2019. We specialise in delivering high-impact advisory services across the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector by drawing on a multidisciplinary team of experts in engineering, finance, science, and management.
Our strength lies in our ability to assemble highly skilled professionals tailored to each assignment — ensuring innovative, practical, and sustainable solutions for clients across the entire water services value chain.
Five practices. One value chain.
From the first feasibility study to long-term financing, our practices cover every stage of building and running a water service.
Water Supply & Sanitation Systems
Planning, design, development, and management of sustainable water and sanitation systems, with a focus on policy coherence, inclusivity, and long-term service sustainability.
Water Services Management (Urban & Rural)
Enhancing service delivery models to ensure equitable, reliable, and sustainable access to water services, particularly for underserved and marginalised communities.
Construction Management
Providing oversight and technical expertise to optimise infrastructure investments, ensuring quality delivery and value for money.
Policy, Institutional & Regulatory Advisory
Supporting governments and institutions in strengthening policy frameworks, regulatory systems, and institutional capacity to improve governance, efficiency, and sector performance.
Financing & Investment Advisory
- Financial analysis and modelling
- Creditworthiness assessments
- Innovative financing mechanisms
- Investment readiness support
- Capacity building for utilities and financial institutions
- Preparation of bankable project proposals
A holistic view of every assignment.
We integrate technical, financial, institutional, and regulatory perspectives to deliver solutions that are sustainable and scalable.
Evidence-based decision-making
Grounding every recommendation in rigorous analysis, not assumption.
Stakeholder engagement & collaboration
Bringing governments, utilities, and communities to the same table.
Capacity building & knowledge transfer
Leaving institutions stronger than we found them.
Innovation in financing & service delivery
Unlocking new mechanisms to fund and run water services.
Core Values
Led by sector veterans.
A trusted partner to governments, development partners, financial institutions, and utilities across the region.
Robert Gakobia
A distinguished WASH sector expert with extensive experience in water sector reforms, regulation, and institutional development. Previously CEO of the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB), 2008–2021, leading reforms that strengthened accountability, governance, and performance across Kenya's water sector. Holds a BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Nairobi and an MSc from UNESCO-IHE Delft. Registered Consulting Engineer and Corporate Member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya.
Alec Kimathi
A leading expert in WASH financing, infrastructure development, and energy efficiency for water utilities. Has played a key role in structuring water sector financing projects, developing national technical guidelines, and training financial institutions and utilities on investment readiness and sector financing.
Bernard Kiarie
A highly experienced financial expert specialising in investment advisory, financial modelling, and capital raising. With over 15 years' experience in capital markets and financial advisory, has supported major projects with organisations such as the World Bank, SNV, and Aqua for All in the WASH and clean energy sectors.
Let's talk about your project.
Whether you're a utility, government agency, financial institution, or development partner — we'd like to hear what you're working on.
Email usP.O. Box 40702 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya