Sidian Bank, Aqua for All and Oikocredit launch facility to support access to WASH services in Kenya

Oikocredit, Sidian Bank and Aqua for All have launched the third phase of their partnership to support small and medium enterprises and water service providers in Kenya.

Phase III of the tripartite collaboration is set to commence in June 2024 and run through May 2027. This initiative aims to catalyse financing and provide essential resources to enhance water and sanitation services in Kenya, with a focus on WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) lending. The programme supports small-scale water service providers, households and WASH SMEs, emphasising climate-resilient infrastructure and women-owned businesses. A technical assistance and performance-based grant totalling EUR 207,000 will be allocated for staff training, procurement of technical expertise and market activation. The project targets the disbursement of 480 loans, reaching 3 million people, with a loan amount target of EUR 7,407,407. Additionally, the programme has a strong gender and climate focus, aiming to allocate 40% of loans to women-led businesses and 60% to WASH SMEs and water service providers.

The facility will provide financing solutions that align with the revenue streams of small-scale water providers. This initiative will unlock the potential for growth, efficiency and sustainability in the water sector. Ultimately, it will contribute to increasing access to clean and reliable water supply for the majority of Kenyan citizens, particularly those residing in peri-urban and rural areas.

Read the press release here