September 24th, 2026

Residents of Kajire in Taita Taveta County are now benefitting from a new smart water project that will provide affordable, reliable and safe water through an innovative public-private partnership model.

Launched on Wednesday September 23rd, 2026, the project has deployed 57 of eWATER’s Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled Smart Taps: 33 in Kajire and 24 in Sagalla, across a 30 km pipe network, serving 7,900 people (4,700 in Kajire, 3,200 in Sagalla). Water is drawn from a solar-powered borehole at Sagalla and delivered to both communities by gravity, with in-line chlorination ensuring it is safe to drink at the point of use.

The project has also lowered the price of water from KShs. 20 to KShs. 5 per 20 litres; a quarter of the price residents previously paid vendors, making safe water more accessible for families who had faced high costs and unreliable supply. Before the system was built, households in the area received water only around one day in nine, and testing had detected high levels of E. coli at the previous source.

The launch was presided over by His Excellency Dr. Andrew Mwadime, Governor of Taita Taveta County. Guests at the event included Ms. Christine Kilalo, Deputy Governor, Taita Taveta County; Grandstone Mwandawiri, County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Water and Sanitation, Taita Taveta County; and Ms. Alison Wedgwood, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of eWATER.

The Kajire eWATER project is one of the first investments supported through FSD Kenya’s County Green Preparation Facility, launched in 2024 with PwC as technical assistance partner. The facility helps counties develop and finance green projects that deliver tangible benefits for communities.

The project marks an important milestone for the facility, demonstrating how county governments, development partners and the private sector can work together to expand access to essential services while creating long-term development impact.

TAGS

CATEGORIES