The Dadaab Demonstration Project is part of VNG International’s Sustainable Development through Improved Local Governance (SDLG) programme in Kenya, which focuses on strengthening the role of counties and municipalities in delivering inclusive and sustainable services for host and refugee communities.
The challenge
In Garissa County, less than 10% of the population is served by the county’s formal water utility GARWASCO. The majority rely on small, community-managed service providers that operate largely outside the oversight of the national regulator, WASREB. These systems often struggle with high non-revenue water, weak financial management and limited service monitoring.
The town of Dadaab functions as a complex municipality with both host and displaced populations, placing sustained pressure on already constrained local systems. Under Kenya’s devolved governance framework, counties are responsible for both water service delivery and oversight. In practice, however, attention remains focused on urban utilities, leaving smaller providers with limited support or integration into local governance structures.
The approach
The Dadaab Demonstration Project uses this context as a practical entry point to test how counties and municipalities can more effectively support small providers. Working with Dadaab Municipality and a community-managed scheme (Labasigale), the focus is on gradual professionalisation through a combination of technology and governance support.
A first step is the introduction of smart water kiosks (ATM dispensers), improving revenue assurance, reducing losses, and generating reliable consumption data. This creates a basis for more structured oversight and strengthens the municipality’s ability to play its role.
Early insights
Initial implementation confirms that technology alone is not sufficient. Improvements depend on how well small providers are embedded within local governance and regulatory systems – particularly in terms of oversight, accountability, and day-to-day support.