Kenya is grappling with a significant challenge in managing Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which currently stands at a national average of 43–45%. This inefficiency translates into an annual loss of more than 200 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to approximately KSh. 12 billion Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) (2025) Impact Reports 17. 

 To help address this pressing issue, Danco Capital recently hosted a CEO Roundtable Discussion in partnership with Diehl Metering. The event aimed to explore global best practices and smart solutions that can help bridge this efficiency gap. 

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Jairo Rojas, Vice President of Sales for Middle East, Africa, Turkey, South-East Asia, and China at Diehl Metering. He shared insights on how utilities worldwide are leveraging advanced technologies to reduce NRW and improve operational efficiency. Diehl Metering, a global leader in smart metering solutions, showcased its innovative technologies such as HYDRUS ultrasonic meters and IZAR IoT connectivity. These solutions enable utilities to detect leaks promptly, enhance billing accuracy, and optimize water distribution networks.  

The roundtable brought together key sector leaders and emphasized the critical role of advanced metering technologies in driving data-based decision-making, securing revenue streams, and ensuring long-term sustainability in the water sector.  

Water Sector Trust Fund (WaterFund) CEO Willis Ombai reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting utilities through financing and technology adoption. He highlighted that WaterFund’s models link funding to measurable outcomes, such as reductions in NRW, creating a financial structure that incentivizes utilities to embrace smart, sustainable solutions. 

Nakuru Water and Water and Sanitation company (NAWASSCO) and Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company (NYEWASCO) presented their case studies on their achievements with Diehl metering products. Both companies demonstrated the benefits of the metering solutions they have installed that have helped them reduce both physical and commercial losses. These examples reaffirm that smart metering is not only effective but also a cost-efficient strategy for managing water resources.  

Speaking during the meeting, NAWASSCO Commercial Manager, Mr. James Gathairu said that they faced two critical challenges that necessitated the infrastructure upgrade: high Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses and infrastructure vulnerability due to vandalism. The company strategically deployed smart enabled consumer meters and ultrasonic flow bulk meters in their Central and Southern Zones yielding an almost immediate impact, reducing water loss in these zones from 33% to below 25% and a revenue increase of up to 10.4% in 3 months. This outcome validates the effectiveness of targeted technological interventions in controlling physical losses. Diehl meters helped them solve these issues through the solutions below.  

• Tamper-Proof Protection: The smart-enabled meters incorporate a tamper-proof mechanism that effectively prevents fraudulent interference, such as meter reversal or manipulation. This feature ensures data integrity and accurate revenue collection.  

• Anti-Theft Design: The meters are built from advanced composite materials rather than brass or traditional plastic. This makes them highly durable and provides inherent anti-theft protection, removing the incentive for recyclers to steal them and effectively solving the long-standing problem of meter theft. 

• Durability and Reliability: The utility’s previous infrastructure was compromised with over 221 plastic meters that had failed prematurely becoming a waste due to harsh climate conditions in Kenya, leading to inaccurate readings and costly maintenance cycles. The material Diehl uses can last long under extreme weather conditions.  

• Accurate Billing: Diehl meters have demonstrated exceptional precision, accurately measuring every drop of water. This ensures correct billing for customers and significantly increases revenue for the utility. 

NYEWASCO Managing Director Eng. Peter Kahuthu and Technical Manager Mr. James Ngunjiri shared their success story in implementing smart metering technologies. They highlighted that NYEWASCO had completed its Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system, which includes six HYDRUS ultrasonic meters and electromagnetic bulk meters. This initiative has contributed to a 15% reduction in Non-Revenue Water (NRW), as documented in WASREB’s Impact Reports 9 and 10.  

The real-time, actionable data generated by these systems enhances billing accuracy, minimizes physical losses, and fosters customer trust through transparent consumption monitoring. 

Mr. Anthony Njaramba, CEO of the Water Services Providers Association (WASPA), emphasized that technology is no longer an optional upgrade but a fundamental requirement for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). He noted that smart metering stands out as one of the most cost-effective strategies for reducing NRW, delivering higher returns on investment compared to expensive physical infrastructure expansion