Kenya Rolls Out Smart Meters in Public Schools

New technology in over 2,000 schools is cutting water waste, improving billing, and ensuring students have reliable access to clean water.

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Why Kenya Is Making This Move

Public schools across Kenya have long faced issues with water access. In many places, outdated pipes, frequent leaks, and inaccurate billing made it difficult for schools to keep clean water running. Nearly 45 percent of treated water in the country is lost before it reaches the end user, often due to leaks or infrastructure problems.

To address this, the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, working with UNICEF and local governments, launched a nationwide plan in early 2025. The goal is to install smart water meters in more than 2,000 public schools. These meters automatically track usage, detect leaks, and provide accurate data for billing, helping schools take control of their water supply and reducing waste.

This initiative is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to modernize public infrastructure and use digital tools to improve essential services.

What the Smart Meters Actually Do

These meters use a simple setup of water flow sensors, mobile connectivity, and a digital dashboard. Together, they:

  • Monitor water uses constantly
  • Send alerts when there’s unusual consumption, often signaling a leak
  • Automatically share data with local utilities and school administrators
  • Link billing to mobile payment services like M-Pesa

This means schools only pay for what they use, and leaks can be spotted before they become costly.

How Schools and Communities Benefit

The results are already clear:

  • Schools now enjoy more reliable water access, improving hygiene and safety
  • Budgets stretch further thanks to accurate and fair billing
  • Maintenance is more efficient since problems are detected early
  • Parents and communities have more trust in how schools are managed

In Bomet County, a pilot version of this system helped reduce water loss from over 60 percent to under 40 percent, saving both money and resources.

 

A Foundation for Smarter Water Management

This rollout is just the beginning. Kenya plans to extend similar systems to clinics, public offices, and eventually homes. By starting in schools, the country is creating a model that is easy to scale and quick to implement in other sectors.

It is a practical step toward tackling water losses, improving service delivery, and ensuring long-term water security.

 

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