By Anchor Writer

Smart Meter Initiative Is a Game Changer in Tackling Unaccounted For Water

Makueni County is taking bold steps to address a critical challenge in its water sector—non-revenue water (NRW).

With a demand far outstripping supply, the county faces an uphill battle to bridge the water deficit. Currently, the county produces 30 million litres daily, against a demand of 60 million litres. Alarmingly, 30 per cent of this production—equivalent to 3 million liters—is lost as NRW, according to data from its three water service providers: WOWASCO, KIBWASCO, and MBOWASCO

The implications of NRW are far-reaching. Water that doesn’t reach consumers, either due to leaks, theft, or billing inefficiencies, represents a significant financial drain on the county.

For a region already grappling with water scarcity, these losses complicate the challenge, forcing the government to continuously pump resources into infrastructure without fully reaping the benefits.
To tackle this issue, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has directed water companies to adopt innovative technologies.

The introduction of smart meters, bulk water meters, high-density  pipes, and leakage detectors is expected to mitigate water losses and improve revenue collection.

Smart Meters as a Strategic Move

The deployment of smart meters has become a significant milestone in this fight.

In collaboration with Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) and Water Mission, 31 smart water points have been installed across the county.

These meters use prepaid token cards or mobile money wallets, ensuring that payments are made upfront and directly channelled to designated bank accounts.

This technology not only curbs revenue leakages but also enhances accountability, as every litre of water dispensed is matched with the payment received.

Preliminary results from the rollout have been promising, prompting the county’s water department to expand the initiative to all water dispensing points.

Sustainable Water Management

Beyond improving revenue streams, these measures aim to promote sustainable water management.

High-density pipes and advanced leakage detectors are expected to reduce physical water losses caused by outdated or damaged infrastructure.

Governor Kilonzo Jr.’s strategy reflects an understanding that conventional methods alone can not address the NRW menace.

By embracing technology, the county is paving the way for long-term solutions that will not only meet today’s water needs but also secure future demand.

A Model for Other Counties

Makueni’s proactive approach offers valuable lessons for other regions facing similar challenges. The integration of technology into water management is not just a solution to NRW but also a model for achieving efficiency and transparency in public service delivery.

While the journey to eliminating NRW is far from over, Makueni’s commitment to innovation signals a significant shift in addressing water-related challenges.

If the ongoing initiatives continue to yield positive results, the county could very well set the benchmark for effective water resource management in Kenya.