The scarcity of clean drinking water in rural Kenya poses persistent challenges to community health and economic growth, further isolating rural populations. To address these issues, the Impact for Northern Kenya Fund (INK Fund)—a $30-million impact investing initiative—has provided capital to financial institutions and SMEs aiming to drive sustainable development.
The Fund’s clients have financed 570 water services MSMEs across eight counties in Kenya. These enterprises offer services that include solar pumping, filtration systems, rainwater harvesting, and purification facilities to enhance access to clean drinking water. By leveraging loan capital, these MSMEs have successfully implemented systems that address water scarcity, ensuring consistent supply even during dry seasons.
Approximately 75 percent of the Fund’s water sector clients are women-owned MSMEs, fostering inclusive economic growth and sustainable resource management. This emphasis on empowering women has instilled a sense of shared responsibility and ownership within local communities, leading to improved long-term management of water resources and enhanced resilience against water scarcity.
