Improving the Resilience of Water and Sanitation Services in Kenya

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Quick Info

Countries:	Kenya
Basins:	Indian Ocean (189) (Tana)
Project SDGs: Includes Sustainable Development Goals from the project and its locations.	Increase Access to Water, Sanitation, Hygiene (SDG 6.1 & 6.2) Stakeholder Participation (SDG 6.b)
Project Tags: Includes tags from the project and its locations.	COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus Leaving No One Behind
Progress to Date:	NA Loans given out to support WASH investments
Services Needed:	Communications & outreach Stakeholder engagement & facilitation
Desired Partners:	City NGO / Civil Society
Language:	English
Start & End Dates:	Aug. 01, 2020 » Ongoing
Project Website:	aquaforall.org/news/improving-the-resilience-of-water-and-sa...
Contextual Condition(s):	PHYSICAL: Insufficient municipal water supply, PHYSICAL: Inadequate access to sanitation services, PHYSICAL: Inadequate access to hygiene services
Additional Benefits:	Long-term partnership(s) created
Beneficiaries:	Local communities / domestic users
Planning & Implementation Time:	3 - 6 months
Primary Funding Source:	pool
Project Challenges:	RESOURCES: Lack of financial resources
Project Source:	User
Profile Completion:	92%

Project Overview

The COVID-19 outbreak led to an increased demand for safe water due to frequent handwashing and people staying at home. But water and sanitation micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are struggling to survive, as they face revenue loss and increased costs to cater to the higher demand. This situation puts access to safe water for 48-million Kenyans served by utilities and private MSMEs in peri-urban and rural areas at risk.

Our survey of a group of Kenyan water and sa…

Our survey of a group of Kenyan water and sanitation enterprises in April 2020 revealed that these MSMEs urgently need capital for expanding waterworks and repairing infrastructure to ensure water supply. Some MSMEs need capital to make the transition to renewable energy sources, which will reduce consumers’ water bills in the future.

“The demand for water has increased significantly, but not the ability to pay for it”, explained a representative of a community water project in Kisumu County.

In general, Kenyan water and sanitation MSMEs have difficulties in accessing finance, as financial institutions are reluctant to offer them credit because of the high risks associated with the sector.

Innovative financial solutions for water and sanitation MSMEs

Aqua for All and Sidian Bank, formerly K-rep Bank, have partnered to establish an innovative financing facility, the COVID-19 WASH Loan Facility, to continue financing the capital needs of water and sanitation MSMEs in Kenya. The survival and growth of water and sanitation MSMEs are critical to support the Kenyan government’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to protect vulnerable groups.

“The current crisis urges immediate action. Water and sanitation MSMEs must continue operating and expanding their reach to safeguard access to essential services for millions of Kenyans during the COVID-19 crisis. Especially for people on low incomes, paving the way to build the sector’s resilience in the future is crucial”, said Ms Josien Sluijs, Aqua for All’s Managing Director.

This partnership also aims at mobilising additional capital, which is aligned with Aqua for All’s efforts to bridge the financial gap to scale up water and sanitation enterprises and contribute to achieving SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation for all.

For more information, read the Press Release or the article on the launch of the COVID-19 WASH Loan Facility.

Project Files

Press Release English (176.5 kb)

Primary Contact

Janine de Laat
Communications Manager
Aqua for All

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Basin and/or Contextual Conditions:	PHYSICAL: Insufficient municipal water supply, PHYSICAL: Inadequate access to sanitation services, PHYSICAL: Inadequate access to hygiene services
Project Benefits:	Long-term partnership(s) created
Indirect or Direct Beneficiaries:	Local communities / domestic users
Months & Implementing:	3 - 6 months
Primary Funding Source:	Pool funding (i.e., joint funding of several partners)
Challenges:	RESOURCES: Lack of financial resources

Project Narrative

About Sidian Bank Sidian Bank is a full-service commercial bank providing an array of financial services to individuals and enterprises. The bank, formerly known as K-rep Bank has been a leading player in Kenya’s enterprise banking sector. Sidian Bank’s goal is to create wealth through provision of transformational financial solutions that meet entrepreneurs’ needs and facilitate growth through convenience and choice. The bank has a network of 41 branches. About Aqua for All Aqua for All is a not-for-profit organization. For almost two decades, we have worked towards catalyzing an innovative, sustainable, and inclusive water and sanitation economy worldwide. Aqua for All operates in Africa and Asia supporting innovations and scaling up enterprises until they are ready for investments without distorting the market. In addition, we use our funds to mobilize private and public capital to increase investments in water and sanitation.

Partner Organizations

Aqua for All (Organization)

aquaforall.org

Aqua for All is a not-for-profit organisation operating in Africa and Asia. For almost two decades, we have worked towards catalysing an innovative, sustainable and inclusive water and sanitation economy worldwide. We believe that innovation, scalable solutions, and public and … Learn More

Janine de Laat

Primary Contact

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