Co-op Bank disburses Ksh.4.39B in water and sanitation financing

Co-operative Bank of Kenya has disbursed KSh4.39 billion in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) financing between March 2023 and August 2026, exceeding its initial target of KSh3 billion under a partnership with Water.org.

The financing, channelled through the bank’s Co-op A Maji product, supports investments in water supply and sanitation infrastructure, including water tanks, solar pumps, water connections, exhausters, bowsers and smart meters.

The bank’s performance has earned it the Leadership in Water Infrastructure and Finance Award at the Africa WaterCredits Forum 2026, held in Nairobi on October 16.

The three-year partnership between Co-operative Bank and Water.org, launched in 2023, targeted improved access to water and sanitation services for more than 110,000 people through expanded financing.

The KSh4.39 billion disbursed surpassed the original financing target, highlighting the demand for specialised lending to support water and sanitation projects.

Co-op A Maji provides financing to water service providers, individuals, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and institutions seeking to invest in water supply, sanitation and hygiene facilities.

The funding supports projects serving urban, peri-urban and rural communities, where investments in water infrastructure can improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation services.

Commenting on the award, Co-operative Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Gideon Muriuki said access to reliable water and sanitation remained a major development priority for Kenya.

“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. Co-op A Maji reflects the Bank’s long-standing focus on sectors that drive inclusive growth and improve livelihoods at the community level,” Muriuki said.

The Africa WaterCredits Forum 2026 brought together financial institutions, water utilities, development partners and other sector stakeholders to promote commercial investment in water and sanitation across Africa.

The award recognises the bank’s role in financing water enterprises, infrastructure and service providers, as well as its contribution to strengthening Kenya’s commercial water, sanitation and hygiene sector.