An encouraging example of how IoT can boost sustainability comes in the form of this week’s news from Kenya that operator Safaricom is partnering with the Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) to deploy a smart water system at the institute’s Nairobi and Kitui campuses.
The smart water system will be used to facilitate practical training as well as to co-create and run a smart water management curriculum for students at the institution.
Smart water management uses Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to manage the abstraction, production, distribution and consumption of water. The smart water meters deployed as part of this management process provide an effective way of collecting data online in real time.
Equally importantly, they ensure effective monitoring of utility consumption data, thereby detecting loss and leakage, ensuring accurate billing, enhancing revenue collection, improving operational efficiency, and, as a result, saving costs.
Safaricom says the partnership is in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation for all.
The Kenya Water Institute is the body mandated by the government to carry out capacity development for the water sector. The institute also provides short courses for water service providers.
Dr. Leiro Letangule, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Water Institute, says, “The partnership between KEWI and Safaricom on the smart water management curriculum is a forward-thinking collaboration that aims to tackle the pressing issue of water scarcity by fostering awareness and practical solutions. This reflects a shared vision of leveraging technology and education to drive sustainable water practices and conservation.”
