Many people in Kenya face everyday realities of lacking clean water and proper sanitation, which are critical foundations of public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Despite existing technologies and solutions, such as water tanks, solar-powered pumps, and purification systems, the challenge lies in their accessibility. The cost of financing remains a significant barrier to investing in water and sanitation infrastructure for many households, small businesses, and institutions.
According to Samuel Birech, Co-op Bank Director of Retail & Business Banking, those closest to the challenge are often best positioned to solve it, but they lack access to affordable financing. A school administrator, for instance, understands what learners need to thrive, while a small business owner sees firsthand where water services fall short within their community. What is often missing is not the vision, commitment, or entrepreneurial drive to act, but access to affordable financing that makes investment possible.
Co-op Bank, in partnership with Water.org, introduced the Co-op-A-Maji Loan in 2023, a financing solution tailored to support individuals, MSMEs, and institutions investing in water, sanitation, and hygiene. The facility also subsidizes appraisal fees for eligible customers, helping reduce the cost of accessing finance. Since March 2023, the Bank has disbursed approximately 2,000 loans valued at Ksh.4.39 billion, surpassing its original financing target of Ksh.3 billion.
The response to the Co-op-A-Maji Loan has demonstrated the demand for such targeted solutions. Behind every loan is a human story, such as a school in Kayole that was able to construct sanitation facilities that provide learners with greater dignity and improved learning conditions. Customers across the Coast and Ukambani regions have drilled boreholes, bringing water closer to households, farms, and businesses.
Equally important is building awareness and trust, as access to finance is not only about the availability of capital but also about ensuring potential borrowers understand the opportunities available to them and feel confident accessing them. Throughout 2026, customer forums were held in various locations, bringing together more than 350 entrepreneurs and sector stakeholders to learn about financing options, share experiences, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
The need for investment is becoming even more urgent as climate change places increasing pressure on water resources and infrastructure. Communities require more resilient, efficient, and sustainable water systems to adapt to changing weather patterns. Despite the significant role finance plays in enabling these solutions, banks remain absent from global water discussions, with Co-op Bank being the only banking institution represented at this year’s Stockholm International Water Institute World Water Week.
Ultimately, success will not be measured by the value of loans disbursed or the number of facilities financed but by whether a child can attend school with dignity, whether a family has reliable access to water closer to home, and whether an entrepreneur can grow a business while serving the needs of their community. That is the future worth financing. Financial institutions have an opportunity to broaden access to capital, development partners can help reduce the cost of investment, and greater awareness is needed to ensure customers can take advantage of financing solutions tailored to water and sanitation needs.
Key points
- The Co-op-A-Maji Loan has disbursed approximately 2,000 loans valued at Ksh.4.39 billion since March 2023.
- Access to affordable financing remains a significant barrier to investing in water and sanitation infrastructure in Kenya.
- Climate change is placing increasing pressure on water resources and infrastructure, making investment in resilient, efficient, and sustainable water systems urgent.
