Sustainopreneurship strategies to promote sustainable socially-oriented bottom of pyramid water supply businesses in Kisumu

This paper discusses ‘sustainopreneurship’ strategies that could be adopted by Kenyan bottom of the pyramid (BoP) water sector businesses. The discussion is guided by the findings of a 2017 assessment conducted in the city of Kisumu. Data was collected from Master Operators (MOs) – small-scale and independent water providers – and Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company (KIWASCO) staff using questionnaires and a literature review. The study found that MOs have positively impacted low-income residents in Kisumu as they now pay less for water compared to middle- and high-income residents. However, most MOs remain commercially unsustainable. They lack basic enterprise management skills and strategies and have low capacity to separate commercial and social priorities. To achieve sustainability, it is recommended that MOs register as business entities, and receive training on business management including marketing, financial management and record-keeping – including digitization of their operations.