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Is Mobile Money a Viable Water Sector Bill Payment Solution in rural areas?

  Mobile money has emerged as a transformative enabler in Africa’s digital finance ecosystem, and its application in the water sector has shown significant promise. In Kenya, where mobile network penetration is exceptionally high, mobile money provides an efficient, reliable, and scalable platform for water utilities seeking to improve revenue collection, enhance service delivery, and strengthen operational sustainability. 1. Mobile Network Coverage: A Strategic Foundation for Digital Water Services According to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), mobile network population coverage reached 98% in 2022/23 , with 4G coverage at 97.3% and 5G at approximately 30% by 2024/25 . This extensive network presence provides a robust digital infrastructure that supports machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled technologies used in modern water service delivery. During my two years working in Kenya with eWATER Services , this strong network presence...

When Policy Blocks Progress: Lessons from Tanzania’s Rural Water Services

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  When Policy Blocks Progress: Lessons from Tanzania’s Rural Water Services Ladies and Gentlemen, Today, I write not just as a water engineer or an international graduate, but as someone who has lived, walked, and worked in rural Tanzania. While I often express my thoughts in academic or professional tones, this post is more personal. It comes from the heart, driven by lived experience and deep emotional investment. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are entirely my own and do not represent the official position or policies of eWATERservices. All experiences and reflections shared are based on my personal perspective and professional journey. 1.       A Personal Journey of Hope and Disappointment Coming Home with Hope: Three years ago,2022, I graduated with distinction from the University of Leeds, UK, with an MSc in Water, Sanitation, and Health (WaSH) Engineering. I returned home full of hope, armed with academic excellence and a v...