Across Kenya's ASAL counties, climate change is making water increasingly difficult to access. Families spend hours searching for water, transport costs continue to rise, and communities depend on fragmented supply systems that struggle during prolonged droughts.
Kiwu is Sauti Salama's climate resilience and WASH enterprise, building decentralized water systems that bring safe, affordable water closer to communities. Starting in Mwingi, Kitui County, Kiwu combines community water kiosks, clean distribution, renewable energy, and local ownership to create reliable water access while strengthening climate resilience and local livelihoods.
Our vision extends beyond delivering water. We are building community-owned infrastructure that enables families to spend less time searching for water and more time building healthier, more resilient futures.
Over 19 million Kenyans lack access to safely managed drinking water.
The greatest burden falls on communities living in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). Climate change continues to intensify droughts, increasing the distance, time, and cost required to secure water.
Women and girls carry much of this burden. Time spent collecting water often replaces opportunities for education, employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Communities deserve water systems designed for the realities of a changing climate.
Kenyans without access to safely managed drinking water
Decentralized water systems that grow with communities.
Every stage of the model strengthens reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability.
Community Water Kiosks
Community water kiosks that improve local access.
Solar-Powered Production
Solar-powered water production to strengthen long-term resilience.
Clean Last-Mile Distribution
Clean last-mile distribution through electric mobility.
Community-Led Operations
Community-led operations that create local ownership and accountability.
Digital Operations
Digital operations that improve efficiency, planning, and service delivery.
Kiwu grows in three phases.
Community Water Kiosk
Our first operational site in Mwingi validates demand while generating recurring revenue through daily water sales.
Clean Last-Mile Distribution
Electric tuk-tuks powered by solar charging infrastructure increase household access while reducing operating costs and emissions.
Localized Solar-Powered Production
Community boreholes and solar pumping systems produce water closer to where it is needed, improving affordability and strengthening resilience during drought.
Designed around how communities already access water.
Instead of asking people to change their behaviour, we improve the system they already depend on.
- More reliable access to clean water
- Lower long-term operating costs
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Women-led livelihood opportunities
- A scalable model for Kenya's ASAL communities
Impact
Kiwu is building more than water infrastructure.
We are creating a future where climate resilience begins with reliable access to one of life's most essential resources. Starting in Mwingi, our ambition is to develop a model that can be replicated across Kenya's water-stressed communities—combining clean energy, community ownership, and practical engineering to make safe water more affordable, accessible, and sustainable.