WSUP Kenya has partnered with Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) to enhance water access and sanitation services in Mukuru Kwa Ruben, a densely populated, low-income neighbourhood. Backed by funding from The One Foundation, the collaboration has introduced initiatives aimed at addressing long-standing water and sanitation challenges in the area.
The key projects in Mukuru Kwa Ruben include the installation of Prepaid Dispensers (PPDs) for water provision and the implementation of a Simplified Sewer System (SSS) to improve sanitation. These initiatives seek to provide affordable and reliable access to clean water and to improve health outcomes by reducing environmental contamination.
Ms Virginia Waithera, a resident of the Mukuru community at a Pre-paid water dispenser
During a recent tour of the project sites, officials from NCWSC, WSUP, and local leaders shared their perspectives on the progress made and the impact on residents. NCWSC representatives highlighted the cooperative efforts between the company, WSUP, and the community to expand access to water and sanitation in a way that emphasizes affordability and sustainability. Local leaders praised the focus on meeting the specific needs of Mukuru Kwa Ruben residents, emphasizing the positive changes these projects bring to the community.
The tour included visits to key PPD locations, where residents can purchase clean water on a pay-as-you-go basis. According to NCWSC staff, the PPDs have reduced residents’ reliance on often expensive and unreliable water sources, providing a consistent supply of safe water nearby.
Community members expressed relief at having affordable, easily accessible water. Many noted the positive impact on their daily lives, as they no longer need to travel long distances or depend on unsafe sources for water.
Participants also visited areas where the SSS has been installed, connecting homes to an efficient sanitation system that is lower in cost than traditional sewers. The SSS addresses the spatial and infrastructural limitations in Mukuru’s dense informal settlement. NCWSC officials explained that the system has significantly reduced open defecation and wastewater pollution, leading to a healthier environment and lower disease risk for residents.
Throughout the tour, community members shared personal accounts of the impact the new water and sewer services have had on their quality of life. Many emphasized the importance of WSUP’s community-focused approach, which includes sensitization and training on the proper use of these new facilities.
The PPDs have increased access to clean water, promoting better hygiene and reducing waterborne diseases, while the SSS has contributed to a cleaner environment and improved public health. Both initiatives offer scalable, cost-effective models that NCWSC is exploring for other informal settlements across Nairobi.
WSUP and NCWSC are now looking at scaling up these projects within Mukuru and similar areas. Continued community engagement and education will be essential for maintaining proper usage and upkeep of the facilities. With sustained support from One Foundation and other partners, the goal is to replicate these interventions to improve water and sanitation services across Nairobi’s underserved communities.