KEWI, Nuvemite Technologies Partner to Accelerate Digital Transformation of Water Quality Management
The Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) and Nuvemite Technologies Ltd have entered into a partnership aimed at strengthening digital transformation, laboratory management, water quality monitoring, research and innovation, digital skills and data-driven water resources management in Kenya. The partnership was formalised today through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the KEWI headquarters in Nairobi, marking a significant step towards integrating digital technologies into water quality management and training.
The agreement was signed by KEWI Director/Chief Executive Officer Dr. Leiro Letangule, EBS, and Nuvemite Technologies Ltd Chief Executive Officer Mr. Colman Mwakio Kangethe. Through the agreement, the two organisations will establish a practical and scalable framework for the digital transformation of water quality laboratories while strengthening quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), smart monitoring technologies, capacity building, research and innovation, data security and compliance with relevant standards.
At the centre of the partnership is the deployment and configuration of Nuvemite Technologies' flagship product, IMARA LIMS, a Laboratory Information Management System designed to support laboratory workflows, sample management, results management, QA/QC, reporting and traceability. The system is expected to enhance the efficiency of laboratory operations while improving the management, accessibility and reliability of laboratory data.
The partnership will also expand KEWI's water quality monitoring capabilities through the deployment and use of probes and sensors for field and laboratory monitoring, enabling the collection and analysis of water quality trends. In addition, the two organisations will explore the integration of GPS-enabled field data with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies to strengthen spatial data collection, analysis and decision-making in water resources management.
Another key component of the agreement will be strengthening KEWI's laboratory quality systems and readiness for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. This will be complemented by secure cloud deployment and integration with agreed KEWI systems and data platforms, with an emphasis on enhancing data security and cybersecurity.
The collaboration will further facilitate capacity building for KEWI staff, trainers and students, as well as stakeholders across the water sector. The two organisations will also undertake joint research and innovation initiatives, including supporting student projects and the development of innovative solutions addressing challenges within the water sector.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Mr. Kangethe said the need to address challenges facing the water sector had motivated Nuvemite Technologies to develop technologies capable of providing solutions in real time. "Our engagements go beyond technology development, they help relook on how data is captured, used and how it eventually helps develop the water sector," he said.
Mr. Kangethe further noted that Nuvemite Technologies would provide KEWI with the software and user licences at no cost, in addition to building the capacity of KEWI laboratory personnel, ICT staff and designated system administrators to operate and manage the system effectively.
"We are going to set up a pilot that will help us to work closely with KEWI and the water sector. I believe through our collaboration, we are going to create solutions and everlasting values to the water sector in Kenya," he said.
On his part, Dr. Letangule expressed KEWI's commitment to the partnership and pledged to expedite its implementation to ensure that the anticipated benefits are realised. "We are open to this partnership, and we are looking forward to having a very successful partnership," he said.
Under the agreement, KEWI will provide an appropriate pilot laboratory, connectivity and authorised access required for system development and implementation. The Institute will also appoint a project coordinator and technical team, assign staff to participate in training, undertake routine system administration and first-level operational maintenance, and facilitate appropriate industry visibility and stakeholder engagement.
KEWI will further play a key role in curriculum development and delivery, ensuring that the technologies and competencies emerging from the partnership contribute to the Institute's training mandate. The collaboration therefore provides an opportunity to bridge technology, training, research and practical application, while exposing learners and staff to digital tools relevant to the evolving water sector.
The partnership comes at a time when the water sector is increasingly embracing digital technologies to improve the generation, management and utilisation of data. By combining KEWI's expertise in water sector training and capacity building with Nuvemite Technologies' digital solutions, the collaboration is expected to contribute to more efficient laboratory operations, smarter water quality monitoring and stronger evidence-based decision-making.
As implementation begins, the pilot will provide an important platform for testing, refining and scaling the solutions within KEWI and potentially across the wider water sector. The partnership ultimately seeks to demonstrate how technology, skills, research and innovation can be brought together to develop practical solutions and strengthen the management of Kenya's water resources.