Co-op Bank Wins Water Finance Award After Lending Sh4.39 Billion for Water and Sanitation

By Milton Oluoch Co-operative Bank of Kenya has won the Leadership in Water Infrastructure and Finance Award at the Africa WaterCredits Forum 2026, following the disbursement of Sh4.39 billion towards water, sanitation and hygiene projects. The award, presented at the forum held on October 16 at the Radisson Blu in Nairobi, recognised the bank’s financing of water enterprises, infrastructure and service providers. Press Brief - Coop Bank wins Wa… According to the bank, the recognition specifically highlighted Co-op A Maji , a financing product that supports investment in water supply and sanitation infrastructure. The product provides financing for water tanks, solar pumps, water connections, exhausters, bowsers and smart meters. It serves individuals, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and institutions seeking to develop or improve water and sanitation services. Ms Vedika Bhandarkar, President and Chief Operating Officer, Water.org (second right) presents the Leadership in Water Infrastructure and Finance Award to Ben Muriuki, Head of Investor Relations & Strategy at Co-op Bank. The bank said the financing supports projects serving communities in urban, peri-urban and rural areas. Financing exceeds partnership target The award comes after Co-op Bank surpassed the lending target established under its partnership with Water.org. Launched in 2023 under a three-year agreement, the partnership targeted more than Sh3 billion in water, sanitation and hygiene financing, with the aim of improving access to services for over 110,000 people. Between March 2023 and August 2026, the bank said it disbursed Sh4.39 billion towards the sector. The press brief did not disclose the actual number of people reached during that period. Press Brief - Coop Bank wins Wa… Co-op Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr Gideon Muriuki said specialised financing was essential to translating infrastructure plans into reliable services. “Access to reliable water and sanitation remains one of Kenya’s most pressing development priorities, and innovative financing is essential to turn infrastructure ambitions into delivered services,” Muriuki said. He added that Co-op A Maji reflected the bank’s focus on sectors that support inclusive growth and improve livelihoods at community level. The Africa WaterCredits Forum brings together financial institutions, water utilities, development partners and other stakeholders to promote commercial investment in water and sanitation across Africa.