By Daniel Kamau
Co-operative Bank of Kenya has disbursed Sh4.39 billion in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) financing between March 2023 and August 2026, exceeding its initial target under a partnership with international non-profit organisation Water.org.
The bank disclosed the figures after winning the Leadership in Water Infrastructure and Finance Award at the Africa WaterCredits Forum 2026, held in Nairobi on October 16.
The three-year partnership, launched in 2023, targeted the disbursement of more than Sh3 billion in WASH financing to improve access to water and sanitation services for over 110,000 people.
According to the bank, the Sh4.39 billion disbursed during the period surpassed the original financing target, highlighting demand for specialised funding for water and sanitation infrastructure.
The award recognised the bank’s role in financing water enterprises, infrastructure and service providers, as well as its contribution to developing Kenya’s commercial water, sanitation and hygiene sector.
At the centre of the bank’s financing strategy is Co-op A Maji, a dedicated banking product designed to provide water service providers with financing for water supply, sanitation and hygiene projects.
The product also finances water tanks, solar pumps, water connections, exhausters, bowsers and smart meters for individuals, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and institutions.
Through the product, the bank says it has supported projects aimed at extending access to safe drinking water and improving sanitation in urban, peri-urban and rural communities.
“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,” said Co-operative Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Gideon Muriuki.
He said the Co-op A Maji product reflects the bank’s focus on sectors that promote inclusive growth and improve livelihoods at the community level.
The recognition comes amid efforts to attract greater commercial investment into water and sanitation infrastructure, with financing institutions playing a role in supporting water service providers and expanding access to essential services.
The Africa WaterCredits Forum 2026 brought together financial institutions, water utilities, development partners and other sector stakeholders to accelerate commercial investment in water and sanitation across Africa.
The event was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi on October 16.
The bank’s latest financing figures indicate that its partnership with Water.org exceeded its original lending target, although the press release did not provide a breakdown of the funds by project, beneficiary category or geographical area.
