Co-op bank backs water investment through Meru forum
Co-operative Bank of Kenya has stepped up efforts to expand financing for water and sanitation investments after hosting a stakeholder forum in Meru in partnership with Water.org, focusing on affordable solutions to improve access to reliable water services.
The forum explored how tailored financial products can help households, businesses and institutions invest in water infrastructure without bearing the full cost upfront. The initiative seeks to make essential water and sanitation equipment more affordable while supporting the growth of businesses operating in the sector.
During the engagement, Millicent Wahome, Head of Trade Finance, and Dick Denis Munene, Head of Asset Finance, highlighted the role of specialised financing in helping customers acquire equipment and develop water-related projects while managing their cash flow.
Asset financing can support the purchase of water storage tanks, pumping equipment, solar-powered systems and sanitation facilities. Such investments can help households improve water storage, businesses secure dependable supplies and service providers expand their operations.
The initiative comes as Kenya continues to face significant investment requirements to extend water supply networks, improve sanitation and strengthen the reliability of existing infrastructure. Limited access to affordable credit can prevent households and small enterprises from investing in practical solutions, even where the need for dependable water services is high.
Through its partnership with Water.org, Co-operative Bank is working to address this challenge by providing financing options for water, sanitation and hygiene investments.
The bank’s Co-op A Maji loan product supports eligible individuals, businesses and institutions seeking to develop or improve water and sanitation facilities. Financing can cover equipment and infrastructure such as water tanks, boreholes, solar pumps, water connections and wastewater treatment systems.
The facility also supports eligible enterprises involved in water service provision and the supply of equipment needed to improve water delivery and sanitation services. By financing both consumers and businesses, the initiative aims to strengthen investment throughout the water services value chain.
Co-operative Bank and Water.org launched a three-year partnership in March 2023, targeting more than Sh3 billion in financing to improve water and sanitation services for over 110,000 people.
By August 2026, the bank had disbursed Sh4.39 billion in water, sanitation and hygiene financing, exceeding the original lending target.
The Meru forum highlights the growing role of commercial banks and development partners in mobilising resources for water infrastructure. Expanding access to suitable financing could help more households and businesses invest in reliable water supplies while supporting enterprises that provide essential services.
As Kenya works towards broader water and sanitation coverage, partnerships that combine financial expertise with development support are expected to remain important in addressing infrastructure needs and improving service delivery.
