In 2024, we joined forces with Plan International Kenya and Plan International Canada to deliver clean, hot water access through the COSME project – Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems – in Kenya’s Kilifi and Kwale Counties. This project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, focuses on climate resilience, gender equality, and nature-based solutions (NbS).

Our contribution: 3,600 Solvatten kits, deployed as part of a broader strategy to reduce time poverty, improve household health, and empower women.

In Kenya’s coastal regions, the burden of water collection and firewood gathering falls heavily on women. Communities are increasingly affected by drought, deforestation, and extreme weather. In these conditions, the daily need for safe, hot water becomes not only a health issue – but a climate issue too.

Solvatten is designed for exactly this context. By harnessing the power of the sun, it purifies and heats water without chemicals or electricity. It saves time, reduces reliance on firewood, and lowers household emissions.

Focus on Women, Forests, and the Future

Women engaged in mangrove conservation, seaweed farming, and forest management received Solvatten kits through COSME. The technology complements their work by cutting fuel use, improving water safety for children, and freeing up hours previously spent boiling water.

These women are also part of village savings groups, gender justice training, and livelihood-building workshops supported by Plan International. Together, the interventions work to strengthen community resilience.

“We found that women spend over 5 hours per day on unpaid care work – water, firewood, cleaning, caregiving. Solvatten doesn’t solve everything. But it gives them a few hours back. And that’s a start.” – COSME Project Lead, Plan International Kenya

At Solvatten, we’re proud to be part of the COSME project’s broader mission to build equitable, climate-resilient coastal economies in Kenya. Clean water and clean energy must go hand in hand – and we believe the women and communities of Kilifi and Kwale are leading the way.

Know of a project or partnership that could benefit from Solvatten? We’d love to hear from you – let’s talk. Contact us at hello@solvatten.org.