Safaricom, Kenya Water Institute Partner to Deploy Smart Water System

Safaricom has partnered with the Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) to build capacity in the water sector, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation for all.

In order to promote hands-on training, Safaricom will install a smart water system at KEWI’s Nairobi and Kitui campuses through cooperation.

Additionally, it will co-design and oversee a smart water management curriculum for the institution’s students.

“Safaricom is committed to its vision of being a purpose-led technology company by 2025. As part of this journey, we continue to partner with stakeholders to bring this vision to life,” Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said.

“We recognise the importance of working with training institutions on relevant technology skills and onboarding the young generation in our Internet of Things (IoT) process as early as possible,” Ndegwa added.

Utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to control water abstraction, production, distribution, and consumption is known as smart water management.

The smart water meters offer a practical method for real-time online data collection.

They make sure that utility consumption data is effectively monitored, allowing for the detection of loss and leakage, correct billing, improved revenue collection, increased operational efficiency, and cost savings.

“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.

“It is at the heart of the new digital world and is already transforming business models and opening new products and services at a spectacular rate. Generated data can be used to boost efficiency, cut costs, save utility, and help your consumers organise their lives better.”

The government assigned KEWI the task of carrying out capacity development for the water sector.

In order to work with Safaricom to customize the Smart Water Management curriculum, KEWI is in the best position possible. The institute also offers short courses for water service providers.

“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.

“This reflects a shared vision of leveraging technology and education to drive sustainable water practices and conservation.”