Co-op-A-Maji Loan: Financing a sustainable water future for Kenya

Access to clean water and proper sanitation remains one of the most critical drivers of public health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Despite the essential role of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector, many individuals, businesses, and institutions continue to face financing challenges that limit investment in much-needed water and sanitation infrastructure.

To address this gap, Co-op Bank, in partnership with Water.org, launched the Co-op-A-Maji loan programme in 2023, providing tailored financing solutions that support access to safe water, improved sanitation, and sustainable WASH investments across Kenya. The initiative is helping bridge financing gaps, accelerate infrastructure development, and improve access to essential services for communities nationwide.

A strategic partnership for impact

Water.org is a global not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to increase access to water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions around the world. Through partnerships with financial institutions, the organisation supports lending programmes, capacity building, and marketing initiatives aimed at expanding affordable access to water and sanitation financing.

Recognising the growing need for dedicated WASH financing, Co-op Bank entered partnership with Water.org in 2023. The partnership set out to disburse more than Ksh3 billion in financing and reach over 110,000 people through more than 4,000 loans.

Since the launch of the programme in March 2023, Co-op Bank has disbursed approximately 2,000 Co-op-A-Maji loans valued at Ksh4.39 billion, surpassing the original financing target and demonstrating the increasing demand for sector-specific financing solutions. The programme continues to generate positive impact across Kenya while reinforcing the Bank's commitment to sustainable finance and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives.

Supporting investments across the WASH value chain

Co-op-A-Maji is a specialised loan product designed for individuals, MSMEs, and institutions seeking financing for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene solutions. One can use the loan to acquire smart meters, solar water pumps, solar heating systems and installation services, water bowsers or exhausters, water tanks, water purification systems, household and office water connections, biodigester, boreholes, wastewater treatment solutions, and much more.

Co-op-A-Maji leverages Co-op Bank's existing financial solutions including MSME Working Capital Facilities, Asset Finance and Leasing, Insurance Premium Financing, Trade Finance, and Bank Guarantees and Bonds. These solutions also provide businesses with the funding needed to invest in infrastructure, enhance operations, and expand access to water and sanitation services.

Making financing more accessible

The cost of borrowing remains one of the key barriers to investment in water and sanitation infrastructure. To help address this challenge, Co-op Bank continues to provide subsidised appraisal fees for eligible WASH customers under the Co-op-A-Maji programme.

This cost-sharing approach makes financing more affordable and accessible, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises operating within the sector. By lowering the cost of accessing credit, the programme encourages greater investment in water supply systems, sanitation facilities, waste management solutions, and other critical infrastructure projects that contribute to community well-being.

Delivering real impact to communities

The impact of Co-op-A-Maji is evident in the lives and communities it has supported.

For instance, through the programme, a school in the Kayole neighbourhood in Nairobi was able to construct sanitary facilities for its students, improving access to essential sanitation services. In the Coast and Ukambani regions, customers utilised Co-op-A-Maji financing to drill boreholes, helping provide water to surrounding communities and addressing local water challenges.

These examples illustrate how access to affordable financing can drive meaningful improvements in water availability, sanitation, public health, and community development.

Advancing sustainable development and climate resilience

Beyond financing, Co-op-A-Maji contributes to broader sustainable development and climate resilience goals. As changing weather patterns continue to place pressure on water resources and infrastructure, investments in reliable and efficient water systems are becoming increasingly important.

The programme supports solutions that improve the sustainability, reliability, and efficiency of water and sanitation services while enabling businesses to adopt long-term, climate-smart approaches. In doing so, it aligns with national and global efforts to strengthen environmental stewardship, improve public health outcomes, and promote inclusive economic growth.

By supporting enterprises that provide essential WASH services, the programme also contributes to broader ESG objectives by improving the quality of life, reducing environmental risks, and creating opportunities for economic empowerment.

Global recognition for sustainable financing

Co-op Bank's leadership in sustainable WASH financing has received international recognition.

In 2026, the Bank participated in the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) World Water Week. Notably, Co-op Bank was the only banking institution represented at the global forum.

During the conference, the Bank presented its innovative approach through a session titled“LeasingInnovation: Unlocking Climate-Resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Finance at Scale”. The presentation highlighted how innovative financing models can accelerate investment in climate-smart WASH infrastructure while delivering measurable social, environmental, and economic benefits.

Participation reinforced the Bank's position as a pioneer in sustainable finance and demonstrated the important role financial institutions can play in addressing water and sanitation challenges.

Engaging customers and building capacity

Customer engagement and capacity building remain key pillars of the Co-op-A-Maji initiative. Throughout 2026, the Bank conducted activation forums in Thika, Dagoretti Corner, Machakos, Kitengela, Ruai, Meru, and Mombasa, bringing together more than 350 entrepreneurs, business owners, and stakeholders from across the WASH sector.

These forums provide participants with opportunities to learn about available financing solutions, share experiences, discuss emerging sector trends, and explore potential collaborations. The engagements also strengthened relationships within the WASH ecosystem and increased awareness of innovative financing options designed to support sector growth.

Through Co-op-A-Maji, Co-op Bank is demonstrating how access to finance can drive meaningful transformation. By supporting businesses that deliver essential water and sanitation services, the Bank is investing not only in projects, but also in healthier communities, stronger livelihoods, and a more sustainable future for Kenya.