GivePower Foundation - A2E Fund

Project: Sustainable Water Initiative for Rural Transformation (SWIFT): Unlocking Rural Water Access through Cost-Effective Automation 

Country & region/location: Kenya, Mtwapa Town, Killifi County 

Category: Energy & Water

Water scarcity and poor access to clean water are critical issues in rural Kenya. Those communities are among the most underserved, with limited infrastructure and challenging government service delivery due to their remoteness. These communities suffer from contaminated groundwater, seawater intrusion caused by climate change, and unreliable surface water due to frequent droughts.

GivePower's initiative in rural Kenya addresses the critical problem of water scarcity and quality by leveraging solar-powered water desalination technology. GivePower will deploy its MAX system, a rapidly deployable containerized system that produces up to 75,000 liters daily. The system will distribute water through automated kiosks and utilize a Pay-As-You-Go system to ensure affordability and accessibility.

The project focuses on leveraging solar-powered technology and implementing a utility-like operational model that promotes environmental conservation and social development.The project's key objectives are to pilot the use of unattended kiosks in contextually similar environments to Kenya’s rural population to demonstrate the feasibility of serving rural communities clean, affordable water with existing technology. Moreover, the project will also explore the potential for automation and remote monitoring to reduce overhead costs and improve affordability for rural and remote customers.

Expected results:

• Water desalinization system and 4 automated water distribution kiosks installed, with a mobile-based payment system 
• Production up to 70.000 liters of potable water per day, serving up to approximately 35.000 people daily
• Uninterrupted access to clean and safe water for communities 
• Partnership agreements established with local water vendors
• 7 people hired and trained for operations
• Reduced reliance on contaminated water sources, leading to improved community health and reduced waterborne diseases
• Enhanced affordability and accessibility of clean water, promoting social equity and inclusion
• Increased economic opportunities for vendors, contributing to poverty alleviation and community development
• Improved trust and confidence in water quality, promoting public health awareness
• Enhanced overall well-being and quality of life for the residents of Mtwapa Town