Our Approach
Our Factory
Our factory is located in the Mtwapa district, in the north of the major port city of Mombasa. From this strategic location, we are able to reach a great many people.
As the Mombasa region has poor infrastructure, is densely populated and lies by the sea, the groundwater is both polluted and salinated. After we have pumped this water from our own well, it must therefore undergo an extensive purification process: using reverse osmosis (RO) systems developed in the Netherlands, the groundwater is converted into drinking water of the highest quality. This water is then delivered to the people of Kenya via various distribution channels.
Hybrid model: Sales and Donations
Although we are now a charity, we have chosen to continue generating revenue by selling drinking water to customers who can afford it. This income covers a large proportion of our fixed costs, making the production of donated water considerably cheaper.
Our drinking water is sold or donated in various ways. The majority of the water is supplied in bulk. This is the easiest – and cheapest – way to supply water without expensive packaging, and it is therefore a brilliant solution, particularly for the schools to which we donate. In the past, this meant that the water was transported by lorry in tanks to the destination, but now the process is much more efficient: a specialised tanker truck delivers the water to permanently installed water tanks.
In addition, we also use a so-called ‘water ATM’, located right next to the factory: here, customers can fill their own water at a very low price, and they have 24/7 access to it! So it’s modern and safe.
We also supply our water in dispenser bottles, jerrycans, glass bottles and plastic PET bottles, although we try to keep the use of the latter to a minimum for sustainability reasons, even though packaging is reused and recycled wherever possible. These deliveries are made either by our lorry or by our small three-wheeled vehicles known as tuk-tuks.
Our Team
Naturally, there is a great deal involved in this process. Our water plant is therefore run by 40-year-old Veronica Njeri, a highly capable General Manager and mother of three. Together with her team of 19 staff members, she ensures that no one is left without clean drinking water!