For years, the Bondeni Community Water Project in Loitokitok faced a common challenge experienced by many water projects across Kenya—high operating costs from diesel fuel and electricity. While the community had successfully drilled a borehole to improve access to clean water, the recurring costs of powering the system consumed most of its revenue, leaving little room for maintenance or future development.

In April 2023, Africa In Store (AIS), in partnership with GIZ and Solargen, installed a solar-powered borehole pumping system designed to meet the community’s daily water needs. The solution replaced dependence on diesel and significantly reduced electricity costs while providing a more reliable and sustainable source of power.

The impact has been remarkable. Today, the project’s 250 member households collectively save approximately KSh 900,000 every year in operational costs. These savings have strengthened the project’s financial position, enabling members to mobilize an additional KSh 2.5 million toward the development of a second borehole. Rather than simply lowering expenses, the solar investment has created a pathway for long-term growth, improved water security, and greater community resilience.

The Bondeni project demonstrates how solar energy can transform community water systems by reducing recurring costs, improving operational reliability, and freeing up resources for expansion. It serves as a practical model for community water projects, schools, healthcare facilities, NGOs, county governments, agricultural schemes, and private institutions looking to make their borehole operations more sustainable.

Read the full case study here:
How the Bondeni Community Turned Water Challenges into Success