Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Green-Wash aims at establishing Eco-friendly car wash stations across Kenya. It is envisioned as a transformative and sustainable project that will focus on water conservation and use of solar power in the car wash operations.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

According to water.org growing water demand and water scarcity have turned into a notable challenge in Kenya. 15 Million Kenyans lack access to safe water. In Kenya the car wash business is booming and are on the rise tremendously with most not recycling their waste water, demand for the service causes high usage leading to a lot of wastage and pollution. The modern challenge is to become adept at conserving water. Businesses that intensively use water should seek solutions that are geared towards conserving this precious commodity. In an endeavor to advance water conservation efforts, Green-Wash Ltd aims to offer Eco-friendly car wash services to its customers. The plan is to invest in and install modern technology that can facilitate reuse of water through water recycling systems. The proposed Car wash water recycling system will enable us to capture, treat and reuse water for cleaning vehicles. Furthermore, the system will be solar powered leading to reduced electricity costs.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The project aims to solve water scarcity & wastage and the the negative environmental impact presented by pollution of this resource. The project aims at promoting sustainable water management. By championing recycling we will not only conserve this precious commodity but also guarantee constant water supply for car wash business operations and save money. Secondly, the water treatment process will contribute towards reduction of pollution of the environment by removing harmful substances such as detergents and grease from the water before reuse or release to the environment. Thirdly ,the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power in the car wash operations will also contribute immensely towards energy conservation and reduce energy footprint and associated costs. Furthermore,the project will also solve the problem of unemployment by offering job opportunities to vulnerable youth and women in the car wash establishments that will be established in various locations.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

The key benefits in offering Eco-friendly car wash services using recycled water is water conservation and reduction of operational costs thereby increasing profits. Use of solar power will greatly reduce power bills and help in cost cutting in the long run. Recycling water will contribute towards water conservation efforts and reduce the strain on other water sources. Our efforts will also contribute to environmental conservation and reduce pollution of the environment from waste water. Due to our water conservation efforts and offering eco-friendly car cleaning services, we shall send a positive message to customers, enhance our image and business reputation . This will help us attract customers who are Eco-conscious thereby growing our customer base Using recycled water and solar power will also be beneficial for the business as it will enable efficient operations and reduce chances of disruption of business operations due to water scarcity or power outages.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Firstly,Motor vehicle owners who operate within the locality where we shall set up this business will enjoy quality car wash services at an affordable and eco-friendly manner. Cleaning cars using treated water that is free of harsh chemicals will potentially help in maintaining our customers' vehicles. The local community will also benefit since the business will have open opportunities for employment that can be accessed by the locals. Furthermore, the local community will benefit from better access to water since our operations will reduce the strain on available water resources supplied by the local water companies. By offering eco-friendly car wash services, Green Wash LTD will create a positive impact in the country and greatly contribute towards meeting conservation needs in the country. Water recycling technology providers will in the long run benefit from the uptake and purchase of water recycling systems by small businesses that will eventually learn from us.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-01-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

5

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

1. Samuel Kitavi Kimondiu- Male, 30 years of age, a bank mejored on insurance, with an experience of 6 years. devoteded to make chage in the society. 1. Samuel Kitavi- Male- Team leader: Entreprenuer, Banker and agriultural economist with 6 years work experience 2. Paul Onyango- Male- Partner: Entreprenuer & Accountant with 10 years work experience in the banking industry 3. Emily Ochieng- Female-Partner: Entreprenuer in the service industry with experience of over 5 years 4. Damaris Monari-Female -Partner: Human Resource Management professional and management consultant with over 10 years experience 5. Collins Ademba- Male- Partner:Entreprenuer with background in hospitality management with over 10 years experience in the hotel industry

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

j) Public services

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

How else can we have water in abundance to be used in undertaking other economic activities if we do not recycle these precious resource; How else can we be able to prevent waterborne diseases if we do not treat our water? By recycling and reusing water we will towards contributing to access to clean water as a step towards having healthy citizens who are physically and psychologically fit to focus on other economically viable activities such as education, work, business that would actually be hindered by poor health. The project further aims at providing employment opportunities to youth and women in the community who form part of the disadvantaged population . This will provide a pathway to stable income, economic empowerment and social mobility. By providing decent and gainful employment opportunities we will enable those employed to escape the cycle of poverty, improve their own and significant others living standards and positively contribute to the economic development.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Car wash business that operates using recycled water commits to sustainable water management practices that contribute to environmental conservation. This will also generate interests and awareness to others therefore encouraging adoption of sustainable practices in other sectors such as agriculture therefore contributing to zero hunger. The conserved water that will be reserved when we recycle and reuse water for cleaning cars will spare over-exploitation of freshwater sources therefore maintaining these sources for activities directed towards food security such as irrigation. Farmers by having adequate water for irrigation will be able to achieve high agricultural productivity.Through this initiative, Green wash will therefore make its contribution towards increased agricultural productivity leading to higher incomes for farmers, reduced food insecurity, and improved access to food for local populations.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Green wash will recycle and re use water which will contribute towards water conservation efforts. There are concerns of water scarcity especially in urban areas which means that there is no enough water available for drinking, sanitation and other hygiene purposes. Efforts towards recycle and re use of water will enhance access to clean water thereby reducing incidence of disease and improvement in sanitation and hygiene practices generally. By recycling water from the car wash activities mean fewer pollutants will be let out into the environment. The runoff water from car wash contains chemicals such as soap, detergents, oil and other pollutants that pose a danger to human health. Water treatment efforts will ensure that such pollutants are not released to the environment therefore reducing pollution . In its efforts, green wash prioritizes environmental stewardship and social responsibility positively impacting on health and well being of individuals and communities.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Through its water conservation efforts , which is by use of recycled water, Green wash will preserve the freshwater sources thereby making water available for other uses such as education facilities. There will be better access to drinking water in schools, colleges and universities which will be used for drinking and maintain hygiene and sanitation. Green wash ltd therefore will indirectly support education through its initiative. How else can we educate the community about water conservation if we don’t practice it! Through this initiative, Green wash aims at presenting an opportunity where the community, youth and students can learn on the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable water management. We intend to periodically conduct awareness campaigns aimed an enlightening members of the community on this aspects. This will empower many to becoming responsible stewards of the environment.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

It has been reported that women in most cases face discrimination and various challenges when it comes to employment. Car wash business is in the automotive industry which is male dominated thereby presenting challenges to women when it comes to employment in this sector. To curb this, Green wash aims at absorbing more women into employment. Jobs at Green Wash LTD will be open to both men and women thereby promoting gender equality. At Green Wash, we shall also endeavor to provide training and skill development opportunities to empower women to pursue other careers that maybe non- traditional such as car wash , water recycling practices, customer service amongst others in order to heighten their chances of employment and success in the automotive industry. Skills development initiatives will be available to all but mostly women in order to contribute towards breaking the gender barrier and promoting equal opportunities to all.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

By using recycled water as opposed to freshwater for car washing , Green- wash will contribute to freshwater conservation efforts therefore ensuring that fresh water from sources such as Mombasa water and sanitation company can be reserved for drinking, sanitation and other hygiene use. This will enable better access to clean water by the surrounding communities and ensure adequate supply of water for sanitation and prevention of waterborne diseases. By treating water, there will be fewer pollutants released into the environment. Chemicals from soap, grease, oil and other detergents will not be directly released into the environment as would be if waste water is released without being treated. These pollutants do contaminate the ground water sources posing a risk to the health and well being of humans and ecosystems. By recycling water, Green wash LTD will reduce the volume of these pollutants discharged into the environment thereby improving water quality and sanitation.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

We aim at installing and utilizing solar power in most of its operations and to supplement grid electricity. This therefore means that it will save on operating costs and achieve energy independence. By using solar power, we will be less vulnerable to power disruptions and outages and have greater control over the supply, cost and reliability of power for our business operations. The use of solar power presents immense benefits such as reducing the impact on the environment and mitigating climate change. Green wash LTD in its initiative aims at creating a positive impact on the environment and promoting a sustainable future for all. At Green Wash, we shall also make effort in educating our employees about energy conservation and its importance to the environment. We will also put measures in place within the premises to ensure that there is no wastage of energy and our conservation efforts and use of alternative sources of energy will contribute to access to energy for all.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

For us, this is an entrepreneurial activity that will be our source of employment and income therefore directly benefiting us. The business will also require workforce for its operations thereby opening up employment opportunities for the wider community. We aim at professionally managing employment by applying the highest standards in human capital managements and offering decent work standards and pay. The skills that these employed will get trained are transferable and therefore they can use them in seeking employment in other places.We will offer mentorship to individuals and small businesses in car wash sustainable practices. In our operations, we shall need to purchase other materials such as detergents, brushes, dusters etc. Green Wash Ltd shall rely on small business situated in the locality of its operations for supply of such materials. Such partnerships will also encourage growth and expansion of small businesses and positively impact on economic growth and development.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Installation, operation and maintainable of the water recycling infrastructure and solar energy will require partnerships with other players in the relevant sector. Establishing the business and deploying these technologies requires a lot of research and innovation. The technology will therefore present an avenue for research and innovation in related technologies with research institutions, industry and companies offering the required technology. By adopting these sustainable practices, as Green Wash we will be communicating to other small business owners that there are better technologies that can enable them run their businesses sustainably and yet achieve better returns. this will definitely encourage adoption of sustainable practices by other SMEs in the region.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Any business would contribute to creation of employment opportunities and knowledge creation and skills development, however car wash business such as Green Wash LTD which utilizes recycled water an solar energy goes beyond that and contributes towards environmental sustainability , clean energy and economic development. Such sustainable practices will build resilience to economic and environmental shocks in a country thereby reducing inequalities among countries. If most businesses adopted sustainable practices then Kenya would feature better as compared to other countries. Green Wash LTD will create job opportunities for the locals and to reduce inequalities we will strive to absorb majority of those considered marginalized and disadvantaged groups such as youth and women into employment. We will also uphold high standards in human capital management and offer fair wages to empower those employed in order to reduce disparities in income and wealth distribution.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Through water recycling and use of solar energy, Green Wash LTD will contribute towards reducing the environmental footprint and enhance water and energy conservation. The use of such technologies will reduce pressure on the local municipal water source and ensure that it is available for other uses in the city. The use of solar energy on the other hand will ensure that we have clean and healthy cities. By reduction of pollution through the water treatment system , we will contribute towards Environmental Sustainability and protection of the urban ecosystems. This will ensure that we have clean and livable cities which will be attractive and conducive for work and other economic activities. How else can we have clean and comfortable transport if we don’t have clean vehicles operating in the city? Green Wash Limited through its Eco-friendly car wash will ensure that the residents have access to car wash services at an affordable rate.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Running a car wash business with water recycling and solar energy contributes towards responsible consumption and production in several ways. Firstly it is a water conservation effort that minimizes on the water volumes that would ideally be used if there was no recycle re-use effort. By treating, and re using water, we are able to reduce the pressure on other water sources while at the same time conserving what is available. Furthermore, water recycling minimizes the amounts of wastewater and pollutants to the environment. Businesses therefore contribute towards waste reduction and pollution by adopting such technologies. Closing the loop on water management and usage can be achieved by recycling and reuse therefore optimizing water use. Therefore the concept of reuse , recycle and regenerate can describe the model of business operations at Green Wash thereby satisfying responsible consumption and production.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

The call for climate action requires adoption of practices that limit risks to the environment. Such practices include measures to counter pollution and depletion of naturally occurring resources such as water. In its contribution to climate action, Green Wash Ltd aims to mitigate pollution through water recycling technology and process. This is in order to protect ecosystems by mitigating the impact of elements that cause pollution that has negative impacts on climate sensitive ecosystems and species. Climate risks such as droughts, water scarcity and extreme weather conditions can be mitigated by practicing sustainable practices such as water recycling. This reduces dependence on freshwater systems and enhances resilience of businesses. Green Wash limited promotes adoption of sustainable practices and sets a good example to other players in committing environmentally sustainable thereby catalyzing collective action towards combating climate change and its impact across borders.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Water recycling efforts that will form part of our operations in cleaning cars will minimize the amount of waste water that will be discharged to the environment. The pollutants normally drain into the sewage systems and into the water bodies. By treating water onsite, we will greatly reduce the amount of detergent, oil, grease and chemicals that can potentially pollute water bodies causing a threat to marine life and habitats. Green Wash Limited aims at starting its operations in Mombasa a coastal city that relies heavily on the marine ecosystem for livelihoods. Businesses in this region therefore have to adopt practices that can protect the coastal ecosystem. Activities such as fishing and tourism that support the local communities can only thrive if we have a healthy ocean. Operating the car wash business using solar energy and recycling water will ensure less pollution and protection of the water bodies and marine life.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

The water recycling system that will be installed is expected to reduce runoffs and soul erosion. This is expected since the volumes of water released to the environment will be minimised. Furthermore the treatment and re use of water will minimize the amount of pollutants released to the environment that potentially cause a threat to terrestrial ecosystems. Land and soil quality will also be maintained. Reliance on freshwater for business operations poses a threat to the health of terrestrial ecosystems that solely depend on natural water sources. Recycling water will reduce this reliance and therefore preserve water supply to sustain biodiversity and ecosystems.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

In running the car wash business, we will strive to provide employment opportunities, develop skills for their workforce, engage with the community and other small businesses, comply with regulations, commit to environmental stewardship and ethically operate the business. These practices will help us co-exist with the community and regulatory agencies and promote peace and justice. Employment opportunities presented to the community by the business will enhance social cohesion and reduce inequalities thereby building peace and inclusivity in society. By complying with regulations, we as Green Wash LTD will be contributing to accountability, transparency, fairness and rule of law.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

-Adopting sustainable water management practices such as water recycling in running a car wash business required advanced technology. Our business is therefore committing to advancement in technology and innovation and answers to sustainable development goal no.6 which advocates for availability and sustainable water management for all. -By recycling water , our business shall also answer to SDG 14, ( conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources) -Setting up and running the business will require collaboration with players such as suppliers, technology providers, and county government. These partnerships will foster knowledge sharing, resource mobilization and capacity building for sustainable development. -Water recycling and use of solar power will enable sustainable business operations promoting SDG 8 ( sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

In Kenya , car wash businesses are many but majority have not incorporated water recycling and use of solar energy in their operations. The disadvantages that come with this is that such business put a strain on available water sources ,operate on high energy costs and the waster water negatively impacts the environment. Our goa is to install water recycling systems in all our car wash stations and utilize solar energy to undertake some operations in the car wash. This will not only be beneficial to the business in terms of reduced costs of operation but also contribute immensely to environmental sustainability. Our idea is expected to differentiate us from the market, position us as an environmentally conscious business and give us a competitive edge.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

The car wash industry is quite vast and competitive. In Kenya we have many people operating car was business independently on small scale basis but at the same time there are those that are well established. We also have those that offer mobile car wash facilities and automated car wash facilities. Differentiating ourselves as an eco-friendly car wash station will create a niche in the market, appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, and boost the reputation f the business thereby enhancing business growth and profitability. We also plan to seek partnership with an established fuel company that has established petrol stations across the country to offer franchise car washing. We will leverage on this to establish eco-friendly car wash stations across the country , offer standardized eco-friendly car wash services.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

The actions that will be initiated in this project that promote female entrepreneurship include; 1. Having an affirmative action in place aimed at offering employment opportunities to women at Green Wash Ltd 2. Offering training to women on water recycling technology and car wash practices in order to equip them with skills that can enhance their potential to start and operate Eco-friendly car wash businesses. 3. Ensuring that a certain percentage of products supplied for use in car wash operations are sourced from women entrepreneurs in a bid to promote their business and help grow them. 4. Holding awareness forums and campaigns where we will encourage women entrepreneurs to incorporate sustainable practices such as water recycling and re use and use of solar energy to benefit from the advantages of operating sustainably and reducing operational costs which impact negatively f their businesses