The Co-operative Bank of Kenya (Co-op Bank) has received the Leadership in Water Infrastructure and Finance Award at the Africa WaterCredits Forum 2026.
The event, held in Nairobi on October 16, recognized the lender for its efforts to finance water-related businesses and infrastructure.
Co-op Bank disbursed Sh4.39 billion in loans to support water supply and sanitation projects between March 2023 and August 2026, exceeding its initial Sh3 billion target under a partnership with international non-profit organisation Water.org.
The financing is provided through the bank’s Co-op-A-Maji loan product, which enables individuals, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), institutions and water service providers to invest in water supply and sanitation solutions.
The product supports the acquisition and installation of water tanks, solar-powered pumps, water connections, exhausters, water bowsers and smart meters, among other equipment and infrastructure.
The bank launched its three-year partnership with Water.org in 2023, targeting more than Sh3 billion in financing for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) projects. The initiative also sought to improve access to these essential services for more than 110,000 people.
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Co-op Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Gideon Muriuki said access to financing is critical to expanding reliable water and sanitation services.
“Access to reliable water and sanitation remains one of Kenya’s most pressing development priorities, and innovative financing is essential to turn infrastructure ambitions into delivered services,” Muriuki said.
The Africa WaterCredits Forum brings together financial institutions, water utilities and development partners to discuss funding mechanisms and investment opportunities for water and sanitation projects across the continent.
Financing a range of water and sanitation solutions
Through Co-op-A-Maji, the bank provides financing for a broad range of water and sanitation investments, targeting both households seeking reliable water supplies and businesses operating in the WASH sector.
Individuals, MSMEs and institutions can use the facility to finance water storage tanks, smart meters, solar water pumps and heating systems, water purification equipment, household and office water connections, bio-digesters, boreholes and wastewater treatment systems.
The loan also supports the purchase of water bowsers and exhausters, which are used to transport water and provide sanitation services, respectively.
Businesses operating in the sector can access financing to expand their operations. These include water bottlers and distillers, licensed borehole drilling companies, water service providers, manufacturers and distributors of water-harvesting equipment, as well as contractors offering water and sanitation services.
The bank also targets suppliers of water tanks, pipes, gutters, plumbing equipment and related products, helping businesses meet demand for water infrastructure and related services.
Flexible financing for water infrastructure
The Co-op-A-Maji facility offers different financing terms depending on the equipment or project being financed.
For water tanks, solar water pumps and heating systems, and water connections, the bank provides financing of up to 100 per cent, subject to the applicable product terms and approval requirements.
The facilities feature flexible repayment periods, faster loan processing and dedicated relationship managers. Unsecured financing limits are also available to eligible customers who bank fully with Co-op Bank.
For solar-powered water solutions, the financing covers pumps, heating systems and installation, supporting the adoption of renewable energy technologies in water supply.
Additionally, Co-op Bank provides water connection and water tank loans to help households and businesses meet the cost of obtaining water services and invest in storage capacity to reduce their exposure to unreliable supply.
For customers seeking to acquire exhausters or water bowsers, the bank offers financing of up to 80 per cent, with repayment periods of up to 72 months. Additional working capital financing is available, alongside insurance arrangements and collection solutions.
For smart meters, the facility offers financing of up to 100 per cent, flexible repayment terms and faster processing. Eligible customers who bank fully with the lender may also access unsecured financing limits.
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Application requirements
Applicants are required to submit a duly completed application form and a pro forma invoice for the equipment or project to be financed.
Depending on the facility and the applicant’s circumstances, additional documentation may be required.
Business applicants are required to provide valid business permits or licences, a business registration certificate, and the memorandum and articles of association. Limited companies must also submit a resolution authorising the borrowing.
Other requirements include National identification or passport, and a Kenya Revenue Authority personal identification number.
Applicants who are not Co-op Bank customers are required to provide bank statements covering the preceding 12 months.
The bank also requires audited accounts for financing above specified thresholds, including Sh5 million for several facilities and Sh35 million for the exhauster and water bowser product.
Regulatory approvals, such as licences from the National Environment Management Authority, Water Resources Authority, water service providers, the Kenya Bureau of Standards, county governments and public health authorities, are also required depending on the nature of the project.
For water connection projects, applicants are required to provide security and a project quotation from an approved technician.
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