One drop at a time, a revolutionary invention is subtly changing the course of history in a nation where millions of people still fight every day to obtain clean water. With the installation of solar-powered smart water ATMs, Kenyan engineer Brian Mwangi’s initiative, Ubuntu Waterhub, is revolutionizing the way communities obtain clean water.
Born and raised in Machakos County, an area long plagued by water scarcity, Mwangi witnessed firsthand the toll that walking kilometres for water took on families, particularly women and children.
Armed with a background in mechanical engineering and a drive to solve a real-world problem, he designed Ubuntu Waterhub as a tech-powered solution rooted in social equity.
Each Waterhub kiosk is fitted with a prepaid smart card system, allowing users to tap and dispense water in precise quantities at just Ksh1 per litre, affordable and efficient.
The stations are remotely monitored via IoT (Internet of Things) technology, ensuring round-the-clock tracking of water quality, availability, and equipment performance. More importantly, the hubs are solar-powered, making them reliable even in remote, off-grid regions.
“Water is not just a basic need; it’s dignity. It’s time Africa applied homegrown technology to deliver dignified solutions,” says Mwangi.
Launched in 2022, Ubuntu Waterhub has since been rolled out in parts of Kajiado, Kisumu, and Makueni counties, serving over 25,000 households. The impact has been tangible; school attendance has improved, waterborne diseases have declined, and women now have more time for income-generating activities.
With backing from local governments and global partners, Mwangi aims to scale the initiative across East Africa and ultimately, the continent. Ubuntu Waterhub is more than a machine; it’s a movement, proving that when tech meets purpose, even the most entrenched challenges can be overcome.
