Steps on How to Start a Water Vending Machine Business in Kenya in 2024

Imagine having a glass of cold, crisp, and pure water on a hot day in Kenya. Sounds refreshing, right? But for many Kenyans, this is not a reality. They have to deal with dirty and unsafe water that can cause serious health problems. That is why more and more people are looking for a reliable source of clean drinking water in the country. And you can be the one to provide it to them by starting a water vending business. In this post, we will share some steps on how to start a water vending machine business in Kenya in 2024.

What is a water vending machine?

A water vending machine, or a water ATM, is a smart solution that lets customers buy high-quality water using cash or mobile money. The machine has a built-in filtration system that cleans the water from any harmful substances and bacteria and keeps it cool and fresh. The machine also has a digital display that shows the water quality and the amount of water dispensed.

By starting a water vending machine business, you can tap into a huge market opportunity and earn a stable income. You can also make a positive difference in the world, by reducing plastic pollution and improving people’s health and well-being. Plus, you can serve the needs of your community, especially in areas where clean water is scarce or costly.

Steps on how to start a water vending machine business in Kenya in 2024

A water vending machine business is a profitable and low-risk venture that can earn you a steady income. It can also have a positive impact on the environment, by reducing plastic waste and saving water. Moreover, it can provide a valuable service to the community, especially in areas where clean water is hard to find or expensive.

If you are interested in starting a water vending machine business in Kenya, here are some steps that you need to follow:

Step 1: Do Your Market Research

The first step is to do your market research and find out the potential and the competition of your business. You need to answer questions such as:

• How many people need purified water in your area?
• Who are your target customers and what are their preferences and needs?
• How much are they willing to pay for a liter of purified water?
• Where are the best locations to place your water vending machines?
• Who are your competitors and what are their strengths and weaknesses?
• What are the legal and regulatory requirements for your business?

You can conduct your market research by visiting different locations, observing customer behavior, surveying potential customers, analyzing existing data, and consulting experts and stakeholders. You should also test your product and get feedback from your customers before launching your business.

Step 2: Choose Your Business Model

The next step is to choose your business model and decide how you will operate your business. You have two main options:

• Buy a franchise from an established company that provides water vending machines and services. This option is easier and faster, as you will get a ready-made system, training, and support from the franchisor. However, you will also have to pay a franchise fee, royalties, and follow the franchisor’s rules and standards.
• Start your own independent business and buy or lease your own water vending machines and equipment. This option is more flexible and creative, as you will have more control over your business decisions and operations. However, you will also have to bear more risks, costs, and responsibilities.

You should weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that suits your goals, budget, and skills.

Step 3: Buy Your Water Vending Machines and Equipment

The third step is to buy your water vending machines and equipment. You need to consider several factors, such as:

• The quality and capacity of the machines and equipment. You want to choose machines and equipment that are durable, reliable, and efficient. You also want to choose machines and equipment that can meet the demand and expectations of your customers.
• The price and maintenance of the machines and equipment. You want to choose machines and equipment that are affordable and cost-effective. You also want to choose machines and equipment that are easy to maintain and repair.
• The features and options of the machines and equipment. You want to choose machines and equipment that have features and options that enhance your business and customer experience. For example, you might want to choose machines that have digital displays, coin and note acceptors, mobile money integration, water quality indicators, etc.

You can either buy new or used machines and equipment, depending on your preference and availability. You can also choose between local or imported machines and equipment, depending on your quality and cost expectations.

The price of a water vending machine can range from Ksh 100,000 to Ksh 500,000, depending on the type, capacity, and condition of the machine. The capacity of a water vending machine can range from 200 liters to 1000 liters, depending on the model and configuration of the machine. You can start with a small machine and then upgrade to a bigger one as your business grows and your demand increases.

Step 4: Secure Your Water Supply and Quality

The fourth step is to secure your water supply and quality. You need to ensure that you have enough water to fill your machines every day and that the water is pure, safe, and compliant with the standards and regulations of the WASREB.

The best way to secure your water supply and quality is to link up with a reputable water company or supplier who can provide you with purified water from their sources or plants. You can either buy the water directly from them or through a contract or a partnership. You can also source the water from different places, depending on the availability and the season.

You should visit the water company or supplier and inspect the quality and the hygiene of the water before you buy it. You should also check if the water company or supplier has the necessary licenses and certificates from the KEBS. You should also have a backup plan in case of any disruptions or shortages in your water supply.

Step 5: Obtain the Necessary Licenses and Permits

The fifth step is to obtain the necessary licenses and permits that allow you to operate your water vending machine business legally and safely. You need to comply with the rules and regulations of the KEBS, NEMA, the county government, and the public health authorities.

The KEBS is the national body that sets and enforces the standards and requirements of quality, safety, and hygiene for water and other products and services. You need to apply for a KEBS permit from the KEBS, which costs Ksh 5,000 per year, with a one-time application fee of Ksh 1,000. You also need to obtain a KEBS certificate from the KEBS, which costs Ksh 2,000 per year.

The county government is the local authority that oversees the business activities in your area. It issues single business permits to all businesses that operate within its jurisdiction, and collects taxes and fees from them. You need to apply for a single business permit from the county government, which costs between Ksh 5,000 and Ksh 20,000 per year, depending on the location and the size of your business.

The public health authorities are the agencies that monitor and enforce the health and safety standards of the public and the environment. They inspect and approve the premises, equipment, and products of your business, and issue health certificates and clearance letters to you. You need to apply for a health certificate from the public health authorities, which costs Ksh 1,000 per year. You also need to obtain a clearance letter from the public health authorities, which costs Ksh 500 per year.

You should apply for these licenses and permits before you start your business, as they are mandatory and non-negotiable. You should also renew them every year, as they are valid for only one year. You should also display them conspicuously at your business premises, as they are proof of your compliance and legitimacy.

Conclusion

Many Kenyans face the risk of getting sick from dirty and contaminated water sources. That is why there is a huge demand for clean and pure drinking water in the country. And you can cash in on this opportunity by starting a water vending machine business in 2024.

A water vending machine business is a viable and profitable venture that you can start in Kenya with a modest capital and a simple plan. You just need to do your market research, choose your business model, buy or lease your water vending machines and equipment, secure your water supply and quality, and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. You can then enjoy the benefits of selling purified and affordable water to your customers and making money from your machines.

A water vending machine, or a water ATM, is a smart device that sells purified water to customers using cash or mobile money. The device is connected to a filtration system that removes dirt and germs from the water and keeps it cool and fresh. The device also has a screen that shows the water quality and the amount of water sold.

Get in touch to buy a water vending machine from Aquatech today

Are you interested in starting a water vending machine business this year? Don’t gamble on the equipment you buy. This is a serious investment that can give you good returns if you follow the steps on how to start a water vending machine business in Kenya in 2024 shared above. The good news is that at Aquatech, we manufacture KEBS quality water vending machines with a 1-year warranty.

You can therefore rest assured that you are investing in a machine that will serve you for many years without easily breaking down at optimum levels and/or capacity. Our technical experts can custom build a machine that suits your requirements.

To get in touch with us use any of the means below: