Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We aim to establish a network of water treatment and refill shops, supported by a fabrication workshop, to provide affordable, safe drinking water to underserved urban communities while creating jobs and fostering environmental sustainability.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Our project will set up a comprehensive water treatment and refill business, focusing on underserved urban populations. We will establish water treatment plants with a capacity of 10,000 liters per day, scalable to 20,000 liters. Initially, three refill shops will be launched, each costing 250,000 shillings. A fabrication workshop will also be established for manufacturing water treatment and dispensing equipment. This workshop will reduce operational costs and generate additional revenue. We will offer training programs in water treatment, refill techniques, and equipment fabrication to empower community members with technical skills for sustainable employment and entrepreneurship. By providing affordable, safe drinking water and reducing single-use plastic waste, our project aims to improve health outcomes and promote environmental sustainability.

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

We are addressing the significant challenge of unreliable access to safe, affordable drinking water in urban areas, particularly for impoverished populations. Rapid urbanization and population growth have exacerbated water supply deficits, leaving many without reliable sources of clean water. This leads to health risks such as waterborne diseases and dental fluorosis caused by high fluoride concentrations. Additionally, the reliance on single-use plastic bottles contributes to environmental degradation. Our project seeks to mitigate these problems by providing purified water through refill shops, reducing health risks, and promoting environmental sustainability through the use of refillable containers.

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

Health Improvement: By providing access to affordable, safe drinking water, we will reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases and mitigate health issues such as dental fluorosis caused by high fluoride concentrations in untreated water. Environmental Sustainability: Our project promotes the use of refillable containers, significantly reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles and supporting a cleaner urban environment. Economic and Skill Development: The establishment of refill shops and a fabrication workshop will create jobs and provide training in water treatment, refill techniques, and equipment fabrication, empowering community members with technical skills for long-term employment and entrepreneurship.

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

Our project targets underserved urban communities, particularly those struggling with unreliable access to safe and affordable drinking water. The primary beneficiaries include impoverished populations in densely populated urban areas who face health risks from untreated water and financial burdens from purchasing bottled water. Additionally, schools and community institutions will benefit from our affordable refill services. By creating jobs in water treatment, refill shops, and equipment fabrication, we also aim to serve unemployed individuals seeking sustainable employment opportunities. Furthermore, our training programs are designed to empower community members with technical skills, fostering entrepreneurship and long-term economic growth within the community.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2020-01-01

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

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

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

Profile: Samuel Ngoru Kamau Nationality,; Kenyan Educational Background: - Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology, University of Nairobi (UON), 2001. - Graduated with Second Class Honours, Upper Division. - Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). - Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE). Professional Experience: - Kevin Kenya Ltd (2002 - 2007): Progressed from Junior to Senior Factory Supervisor in a water and beverage processing company. - Aquamist Ltd (2011 - 2012): Factory Manager at a water and beverage company. - Usafi Services Ltd (2012 - 2021): Factory Manager at a water bottling company. - Johali Ltd (2021 - Present): General Manager at a water bottling company. - Over 20 years of experience in the beverage sector in Kenya, culminating in senior management positions. Unique Skills and Accomplishments: - Successfully launched new projects and products from inception. - Expertise in the installation of complete water and juice processing lines.

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?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Our project directly addresses poverty by creating employment opportunities in the water treatment plant, refill shops, and fabrication workshop. These jobs provide steady income for community members, helping them to rise above the poverty line. Additionally, the training programs in water treatment, refill techniques, and equipment fabrication equip individuals with valuable skills that enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities, further contributing to economic stability and poverty reduction in urban areas.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

While our project does not directly address food security, it contributes indirectly by improving overall health through the provision of safe drinking water. Healthy individuals are more capable of working and producing food, which can indirectly support food security initiatives. Additionally, our project could partner with agricultural projects in the future to provide clean water for irrigation, supporting sustainable agriculture.

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

The provision of clean, safe drinking water is essential for good health and well-being. Our project aims to reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases and health issues related to high fluoride concentrations in water, such as dental fluorosis. By ensuring access to purified water, we significantly improve the health outcomes of underserved urban populations. Furthermore, our initiative promotes well-being by reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste and fostering a cleaner, healthier community.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Our project contributes to quality education by providing training programs in water treatment, refill techniques, and equipment fabrication. These programs equip community members with practical skills and knowledge, promoting lifelong learning and enhancing their employability. Additionally, by ensuring access to safe drinking water in schools, we create a healthier learning environment, enabling students to attend school regularly and perform better academically.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Our project promotes gender equality by creating job opportunities and training programs that are accessible to both men and women. By empowering women with technical skills and employment opportunities in the water treatment and refill industry, we help to reduce gender disparities and promote economic independence for women. Additionally, involving women in decision-making processes and leadership roles within the project further supports gender equality and empowerment.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Our project directly addresses the need for clean water and sanitation by establishing a network of water treatment and refill shops. We ensure the availability of safe and purified drinking water, which is essential for maintaining good health and hygiene. The project also promotes sustainable water management practices, reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles and minimizing environmental impact. By providing training in water treatment and management, we further ensure the sustainable use of water resources.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

While our primary focus is on water treatment and refill, we recognize the importance of integrating sustainable energy solutions. Future plans include the potential use of solar-powered water treatment systems to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. This approach aligns with our commitment to sustainability and could contribute to the broader goal of ensuring access to affordable and clean energy.

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

Our project creates numerous job opportunities across different sectors, including water treatment, refill shops, and equipment fabrication. We provide decent work conditions and fair wages, contributing to economic growth and stability. The training programs in water treatment, refill operations, and equipment fabrication empower individuals with the skills needed for long-term employment and entrepreneurial ventures, fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

By establishing a fabrication workshop for water treatment and dispensing equipment, our project promotes industrial innovation and infrastructure development. This workshop not only supports our own operations but also provides custom solutions to other businesses and communities. Our emphasis on training and skill development fosters a culture of innovation, ensuring that our infrastructure remains resilient and adaptable to future challenges

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Our project aims to reduce inequalities by providing affordable access to safe drinking water in underserved urban communities. By creating job opportunities and offering training programs, we help bridge the economic gap and provide pathways out of poverty. Ensuring that marginalized populations have access to essential services like clean water is a crucial step in reducing overall social and economic inequalities

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Our project contributes to the development of sustainable cities and communities by providing a reliable supply of clean drinking water, reducing plastic waste through the use of refillable containers, and promoting environmental sustainability. By improving water accessibility and quality, we enhance the resilience of urban communities against waterborne diseases and health issues caused by contaminants like fluoride. Our efforts to train and employ local residents foster inclusive growth and create safer, more sustainable urban environments.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Our project promotes responsible consumption and production by utilizing refillable water containers, reducing the dependency on single-use plastic bottles, and minimizing waste. We also fabricate water treatment and dispensing equipment locally, ensuring sustainable production practices. Training programs on water management further empower communities to adopt sustainable water usage practices, contributing to a circular economy and encouraging environmentally responsible behavior.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

By reducing plastic waste through the promotion of refillable containers and potentially incorporating solar-powered water treatment systems, our project mitigates environmental impact and carbon footprint. Educating communities on sustainable water use and integrating eco-friendly technologies aligns with global climate action efforts. These initiatives help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resilience against climate-related impacts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Our project indirectly contributes to the conservation of marine resources by reducing plastic pollution through the use of refillable water containers. By minimizing plastic waste, we prevent it from reaching and damaging marine ecosystems. Additionally, our educational initiatives on sustainable consumption practices help raise awareness about the importance of protecting aquatic life and preserving marine environments.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Our project supports the sustainable use of land resources by promoting water treatment technologies that require minimal land disruption. By reducing reliance on single-use plastics, we also contribute to decreasing plastic pollution that can harm terrestrial ecosystems. Training and educational programs encourage sustainable practices, fostering a community culture of environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation.

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

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

While our primary focus is on water treatment and access, the project fosters inclusivity by providing equitable access to clean water resources, which is a fundamental human right. By ensuring that underserved communities have access to safe drinking water, we contribute to reducing inequalities and promoting social justice. Although our direct impact on institutional development is limited, our commitment to transparency and community engagement supports the broader goals of peaceful and inclusive societies.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Our project actively seeks partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and community organizations to enhance the reach and impact of our water treatment and refill initiatives. Collaborations with educational institutions for training programs and with technology providers for equipment fabrication help us achieve our objectives more effectively. These partnerships are crucial for scaling our operations and ensuring sustainable development, aligning with the broader aim of revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development.

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

3

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

5

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

4

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.

6

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.

6

05.08 Justification

Our comprehensive water treatment and refill service includes in-house fabrication and extensive community training programs, providing a holistic solution to urban water challenges. This unique integration addresses both water quality and economic empowerment. Incorporating advanced water treatment technologies and custom dispensing equipment, our project enhances efficiency, reliability, and accessibility, making safe drinking water more attainable for underserved communities. We significantly improve existing services by enabling the production of custom equipment tailored to local needs, reducing costs, enhancing functionality, and supporting local economic growth through manufacturing. Our project extends water services to include training in water treatment, refill operations, and equipment fabrication, promoting sustainable employment and entrepreneurship while addressing water quality. Specifically targeting underserved urban populations lacking reliable access to safe water.

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

Our competitors include established water refill stations, bottled water companies, and local fabricators. Unlike these competitors, we offer integrated services encompassing water treatment, refill stations, equipment fabrication, and community training. This comprehensive approach ensures water access and economic empowerment. By producing our own water treatment and dispensing equipment, we maintain low costs and high quality, providing a pricing and reliability advantage. Additionally, our community training programs empower residents with skills for sustainable employment and entrepreneurship, setting us apart from competitors lacking educational initiatives. Our focus on underserved communities, providing affordable and safe drinking water, addresses a critical gap often overlooked by others, enhancing our community impact and market appeal.

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

Here are a few suggestions on how you can integrate support for female entrepreneurs into your project: Networking and Collaboration: Engage with local women's groups or organizations that support entrepreneurship. This can provide networking opportunities and potentially identify female entrepreneurs who could benefit from your project. Supplier Diversity: When sourcing materials or services for your project, consider partnering with female-owned businesses. This promotes diversity within your supply chain. Public Relations and Outreach: Highlight stories of successful female entrepreneurs in your marketing materials or social media channels. This can inspire others and raise awareness about the role of women in entrepreneurship. Capacity Building Workshops: Organize workshops or training sessions focused on business skills or technical knowledge that are relevant to your project. Ensure these are accessible to women entrepreneurs in your community.