Water flows in Kenya despite drought

In Kenya’s Kilifi County, water comes from boreholes, wells and surface water. These are highly unreliable resources due to either shortage or contamination, especially during a drought.

To solve this issue, American NGO World Vision constructed automated water kiosks, using Grundfos’ Aqtap system, with technical support from Grundfos and USAid as a partner. The result: Safe drinking water for more than 12,800 people.

Partnerships make big impact
In 2018, three main pipelines were extended, connecting 19 water kiosks to the pipelines. Across Kenya, World Vision has installed 250 solar pumps and constructed nearly 80 automated water kiosks.

“It is great to see the impact we can have when combining our technology and expertise with partners like World Vision and USAid. It is exactly initiatives like this we need to fulfil our ambition to provide 300 million people with safe, reliable water by 2030,” says Peter Trillingsgaard, Group VP for Communications, Public Affairs, Engagement and Sustainability, Grundfos.

Durable solutions
Using solar pumps, which are more durable and less expensive to operate than diesel-powered pumps, ground water from water supply systems moves to elevated storage tanks where it is chlorinated and then flows by gravity to automated water kiosks.

When using water kiosks, communities pay a low set price safeguarded from seasonal fluctuations. The payments support ongoing maintenance and repairs overseen by a local water committee. The Grundfos-supported payment system tracks water usage to quickly identify possible issues for repair.