Leveraging Decentralized Entrepreneurial Approach To Safe Water Supply
EED Advisory
Download
Abstract: This study evaluates the Safe Water Enterprise (SWE) model across eight Kenyan counties?Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Nandi, Kwale, Nairobi, Muranga, and Kiambu. It combines technical audits, financial data, and randomized control surveys to assess the efficacy of community-led water kiosks. Key findings show significant health impact from reliable water access, especially reduced waterborne disease. The use of low-pressure membrane filtration, solar pumps, and digital meters demonstrates scalable innovation. Income generation through water vending and stakeholder co-ownership added financial sustainability, though sites struggled with non-revenue water losses and operational cost disparities. The study emphasizes local governance structures, gender participation, and strategic partnerships as critical success levers. It calls for expansion of SWE in underserved ASAL counties, embedded within climate resilience frameworks and SDG 6 implementation.