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Reducing non-revenue water in Kenya: A Japanese company’s initiative

Photo credit: JICA

According to the 2024 Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) report, Kenya’s nationwide non-revenue water (NRW) rate is at 43 percent. This high NRW rate significantly impacts the profitability of water service providers, slowing investments in new water infrastructure, and hindering efforts to improve access to clean water for Kenyan citizens.

Several factors contribute to NRW, including:

  1. Water leakage: Caused by low-quality supply materials and poor installation practices.
  2. High water pressure: Resulting from inadequate distribution management, leading to increased leakage and water loss. 
  3. Inaccurate water meter readings: Affecting revenue collection and financial sustainability for water providers. 

To address leakage issues caused by supply materials and installation, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) partnered with SK-KAWANISHI, a leading Japanese manufacturer of pipe joints, and launched a pilot project in Kericho County in January 2023. The project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of SK-KAWANISHI’s specially designed mechanical pipe joints tailored for Kenya’s water supply infrastructure.

Advantages of SK-KAWANISHI’s pipe joints

  • Ease of installation: No heat sources, adhesives, or specialised tools are required. 
  • Reduced installation time: Each joint takes approximately five minutes to install, even in challenging conditions such as rain or night-time. 
  • Post-installation durability: The joints withstand high water pressure, maintain stable connections on angled pipes, and enable secure connections between different pipe materials. 
Photo credit: JICA

During the pilot project, SK-KAWANISHI’s joints were installed in a newly constructed 12-kilometre water pipeline in Ainamoi, Kericho County, with support from the Kericho Water and Sanitation Company (KEWASCO).

Monitoring results showed a 20-percent reduction in leakage rates, and 75-percent decrease in repair frequency, compared to conventional materials. Stakeholders also highlighted the cost savings achieved through shorter installation times and reduced repair needs when compared to the Buff Fusion method. 

Additionally, over 80 percent of water consumers reported satisfaction with the improved water quality and stable pressure. The reduced installation time per site also allowed for quicker responses to detected leaks, enhancing overall service satisfaction among utility customers. 

Photo credit: JICA

To further promote its technology as a solution to Africa’s NRW challenges, SK-KAWANISHI has been hosting seminars in collaboration with the Water Services Providers Association (WASPA) and participating in events like the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) International Congress and Exhibition. In November 2024, the company completed its business registration in Kenya and began supplying its products to local water service providers. 

Mr KAWANISHI Akihiro, Chief Executive Officer of SK-KAWANISHI, emphasised the company’s commitment to addressing Africa’s water challenges, saying: “Our joint is an innovative solution that directly improves NRW in Kenya and will be a game changer for the industry. Our mission and pride lie in delivering precious water without leaking a single drop.” 

JICA is proud to contribute to solving Kenya’s social challenges by introducing high-quality Japanese products and services. We aim to continue fostering success stories like this in the future.

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For more information about SK-KAWANISHI’s solutions, contact us at m_festus@skkawanishi.com.