Hello Pals, there is a new cash-cow in town and it is known as Water Vending machines or the water refilling stations. This is certainly the next big thing and will hit the market with a big bang.
Definitely, people have become more sensitive about their health and consequently, there is a greater preference for purified water as opposed to tap water and borehole water that is not purified.
People are now informed of water-borne diseases that come along with contaminated water. From cholera, typhoid, dysentery, etc. This startup will enjoy a monopoly before this business gets fully realized.
Hence, you rest assured of a large customer base.

The secret to success in this business lies in achieving a large volume of sales per day. You therefore should locate your business in an area that is adequately populated.
The more walk-in customers your Water refilling station can attract, the better. But what if finding such a location proves difficult? Well, worry not.

You can approach your nearest supermarket or mini-market and negotiate a revenue-sharing agreement. Like there is one guy from Kahawa who has partnered with Tumaini supermarket. They will give you the space and you will give them the machine and water to dispense. Smart…isn’t it?

Choose a machine that does not strain your budget and one that has enough capacity to sustain your customers’ demand. You can start small with a 1000 liter/hour Water refilling station and then graduate to a bigger 10000 liter per hr machine as demand rises.

As for purchasing the machine you can either buy one locally from local manufacturers like PHYNETECH LIMITED or import it directly from Italy. Locally manufactured machines are cheaper KES (85, 000- 120, 000) and as you know, it’s a good idea to BUY KENYAN, BUILD KENYA. Here is some tip that will come in handy in your search for good water vending machine/Water refilling station.

*If importing, consider buying the Water refilling station in separate parts to be assembled locally. That will help you save on tax.

*Generally, look for a machine that is easy to use. Preferably one whose technology can be understood even by kids.

*Look for a machine whose spare parts are readily available locally and insist on warranty cover on all your purchases.

TIP: we highly recommend you to purchase one locally because of maintenance that may be required and spare parts available locally. Also remember that locally made is way cheaper than imported which costs between 300,000 to 600,000 before tax.

In order to get consistent supplier, it is highly recommended to consult a water vender with a stainless steel tank who is licenced to sell purified drinking water by KEBS and KRA . like Neptune premium drinking water

This is the so called franchise . Franchise helps you start a new business more easily without using a lot of capital. The water supplier will give you copy of KEBS license and KRA license to confirm that his/her water has met standards of KEBS and complies with KRA regulations. Water vending franchise is very cost effective.

Also you need to a license for operating the business (business permit) . Remember water is classified as food hence will require county health certificate. water vending is a very lucrative idea that cannot go wrong.

water refilling machine prices in Kenya is fair.

A small business house will cost rent of KES 6000, business permit will cost you KES 4000 and health license will cost 2500

HINT 1: Areas that fall in Machakos, Kiambu, or Kajiado counties tend to have cheaper single-business permit charges than ones in the core Nairobi despite their proximity to the city. More so they lack pure drinking water. (Examples: Ongata Rongai (Kajiado), Syokimau (Machakos), Githurai 45 (Kiambu), Kahawa Sukari(Kiambu), Kahawa Wendani (Kiambu), Ruaka (Kiambu), Mlolongo (Machakos), Kitengela (Kajiado)), Pipeline, Dandora, Stage Mpya,

HINT 2: Buying a Machine from a company which can provide KEBS licenses, can  do Branding and can supply purified water will greatly reduce the hustle and bustle to start the business. Consequently, it will lower the starting capital. One such company is PHYNE TECH (0720 900 777)

 Phyne tech provides KEBS CERTIFICATE.