The Automation of Public Water Vending Outlets project proposes the installation of 1,000 Water ATMs across Kitui County to provide clean, safe, and affordable drinking water. These automated water vending machines will ensure community access to water 24/7, improve accountability, and reduce losses often associated with manual water distribution. Consumers will be issued tokens/cards for convenient and transparent access. The project will initially target 200 water schemes, each with five kiosks, covering all 8 sub-counties and 40 wards in Kitui County, with future expansion possible as more water projects are developed. The ATMs will be integrated with community management structures to ensure sustainability and accountability. The project cost is estimated at USD 1.2 million, covering mapping, sensitization, formalization, installation, and operationalization. It is expected to become operational within 2 years. A single water ATM can generate over USD 50,000 in annual revenue, assuming average daily sales of 150–200 m³, with a historical sector growth rate of 5–10% annually.

Water and Sanitation

ICT

Public Private Partnership

1200000

USD

Sites identified

1.Land and infrastructure support at public water points 2.Policy backing under the county’s water and sanitation agenda 3.Community mobilization and extension services

Kitui County, Kenya (8 sub-counties, 40 wards, ~200 schemes, 1,000 kiosks)