The Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC), in partnership with the Water Services Trust Fund (WSTF) and German development agency GIZ, launched the Water Kiosk Program. This initiative establishes kiosks in informal settlements, where residents can purchase clean water at affordable, regulated prices. Each kiosk is managed by trained community members, creating jobs and fostering local ownership.

The kiosks are staffed and managed by local residents, creating jobs and fostering a sense of ownership within the community. Each water kiosk connects to NWSC’s main water supply and includes filtration and storage systems to ensure safe, potable water. The kiosks operate on a pay-as-you-go model, where residents purchase water at prices significantly lower than those charged by private vendors (approximately KSh 2, or USD 0.02 per 20L, about 10-20x cheaper than private vendors).

NWSC collaborates with community-based organizations and the WSTF, which finances last-mile infrastructure and provides oversight to ensure compliance with quality standards. This collaboration also supports the identification of suitable kiosk locations, provides operational training for kiosk managers, and conducts water hygiene education. Kiosk operators are trained in basic maintenance and financial management, ensuring the kiosks remain operational and financially sustainable.

The WSTF, primarily funded through international aid and government contributions, covers infrastructure costs. The low-cost water price ensures that kiosks generate income to support ongoing operations while maintaining affordability. Revenue generated from water sales covers ongoing maintenance and operational costs, with a portion reinvested into the community. Political backing and reforms from the Kenyan government encouraged pro-poor approaches and affordable access options for informal settlements​