Kenya’s sanitation sector is emerging as a dynamic economic force, bringing together the nation’s entrepreneurial drive, technological innovation, and resilient communities. Through the Kenya Market-Based Sanitation (KMBS) project, funded by the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF) and implemented by Water and Sanitation for Urban Populations (WSUP), the country is building a robust sanitation economy that promotes health, creates jobs, empowers women, and drives economic growth.
The impact of Kenya’s sanitation and menstrual health value chains is steadily expanding, fuelling local businesses, empowering women, and advancing sustainable circular economy models. SHF-commissioned research estimates that by 2030, Kenya’s sanitation economy could unlock $2.8 billion in economic gains, creating jobs, empowering communities, and protecting the environment. These projections reveal the transformative potential of Kenya’s sanitation sector, offering opportunities and improved quality of life for millions.
Through KMBS, private-sector small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are gaining the support needed to grow. WSUP and SHF grants help them develop market-driven solutions to meet sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health needs in underserved areas. Guided by Kenya’s Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, the KMBS project aims to embed these business models within local institutions and social enterprises, fostering long-term change.
In Kisumu, where sewered sanitation serves only 18% of the population, non-sewered solutions like those provided by Kwawama, an association of 18 vacuum tanker operators, play a critical role. Supported by SHF funding, Kwawama and other sanitation enterprises have scaled up operations to improve service delivery, customer satisfaction, and economic opportunities for local workers.
Over the first six months of 2024, Kwawama served 219,180 people, emptying over 7,306 pits, and generating $226,542 in revenue—an impressive increase from 2023. This growth has fuelled Kwawama’s goal of expanding its workforce with 15 new hires in 2025, creating more jobs and expanding its service reach.
Kwawama, a recognized association of vacuum tanker operators (VTOs) in Kisumu, faced challenges from poor coordination and limited resources. Many VTOs struggled to maintain equipment and operate efficiently. With funding from WSUP, Kwawama was able to purchase a computer and receive business development support. In December 2023, WSUP also funded elections, organized by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, to help Kwawama structure its leadership. Additional investments in marketing have promoted Kwawama’s VTO services across Kisumu, increasing visibility and service demand.
Over the past six months, Kwawama safely disposed of 300,000 cubic meters of sludge, generating $82,758 in revenue. According to Kwawama Chairperson Benard Odhiambo, the association’s formal status has helped members secure more jobs, organize resources more effectively, and generate higher incomes.
“Being a recognized association has enabled us to get more jobs from our communities and helped us manage complaints better. We are now better equipped, more organized, and generating more income. This means a better quality of life for us and a cleaner city for everyone,” said Odhiambo.
For Jael Ocholla, a female truck operator with Kwawama, the sector’s job creation efforts have been life-changing.
“I was unemployed for years. Now, I have a stable income, providing for my family while contributing to a cleaner environment. This job has not only given me financial security but has also allowed me to play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of our community,” Ocholla said.
As demand for sanitation services grows, Kwawama plans to increase its service delivery by 30% over the next two years, aiming to safely dispose of 500,000 cubic meters of sludge annually. By 2025, they hope to add 15 more team members, enhancing waste management and public health.
The KMBS project’s success illustrates the potential of sustainable, market-driven approaches in Kenya’s sanitation sector. Looking forward, WSUP and SHF are exploring opportunities to expand these initiatives across other urban areas. Continuous community engagement and education will be vital for the long-term use and upkeep of sanitation infrastructure, while partnerships with investors and government agencies will be essential for sustaining and scaling these efforts.
Kenya’s journey toward a thriving sanitation economy underscores the power of partnerships, innovation, and community-driven solutions. With each pit emptied and each job created, Kenya moves closer to a future where sanitation is not merely a service but a foundation of health, dignity, and opportunity.