Safaricom, KEWI partner to install smart water system in Nairobi

Safaricom and the Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) have inked a partnership that aims to build capacity in the water sector and support the Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation for all.

As part of the collaboration, Safaricom will install a smart water system at KEWI’s Nairobi and Kitui campuses to facilitate practical training for students. The smart water system utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to manage various aspects of water management, including abstraction, production, distribution, and consumption.

Smart water meters will be implemented to collect real-time data, allowing for effective monitoring of utility consumption, detection of losses and leakages, accurate billing, improved revenue collection, enhanced operational efficiency, and cost savings.

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Tech- oriented 

Safaricom’s CEO, Peter Ndegwa, emphasized the company’s commitment to being a purpose-led technology company and its vision of leveraging partnerships to bring this vision to life. By collaborating with training institutions like KEWI, Safaricom aims to impart relevant technology skills and involve the younger generation in IoT processes early on.

“We understand the place of IoT and as such we continue to embrace different technologies. Central to creating the Smart Meter and making it work is the IoT technology,” the CEO said.

KEWI, as the government-mandated body for capacity development in the water sector, is well-positioned to partner with Safaricom in creating and delivering a Smart Water Management curriculum. The curriculum will focus on leveraging technology and education to drive sustainable water practices and conservation, addressing the pressing issue of water scarcity.

“The partnership between KEWI and Safaricom on the Smart Water Management curriculum is a forward-thinking collaboration that aims to tackle the pressing issue of water scarcity by fostering awareness and practical solutions,” KEWI CEO  Leiro Letangule.