How to Start a Water Refill and Delivery Business in Kenya (Jerricans)
Introduction
The water refill and delivery business in Kenya is one of the most reliable hustles because water is a basic need. Many estates and urban neighborhoods do not have consistent water supply, which creates strong demand for clean, delivered water in jerricans. By starting a small-scale water refill and delivery service, you can earn daily cash while providing an essential service to households and businesses. This hustle is especially profitable in towns, peri-urban areas, and estates where borehole or piped water is unreliable.
Startup Costs 💰
The capital needed depends on whether you own a water source or are buying wholesale.
- Capital Needed: KES 10,000 – 25,000
- Key Expenses:
- Initial stock of jerricans (20L) — KES 2,000 – 5,000
- Delivery cart or wheelbarrow — KES 3,000 – 6,000
- Branded water delivery bags or carriers (optional) — KES 1,000 – 2,000
- Reflector jacket and gloves — KES 500 – 1,000
- Water source charges (if buying from a borehole vendor) — variable
- Marketing and signage — KES 500 – 1,000
💡 Tip: Start small with a wheelbarrow or handcart, then expand into a motorbike or pickup delivery system.
Why This Business Works ✅
- Essential Need: Everyone needs water daily.
- High Demand in Estates: Many homes rely on water vendors during shortages.
- Low Startup Capital: You can begin with less than KES 15,000.
- Daily Cash Flow: Payments are mostly cash on delivery.
- Scalable: Expand from a handcart service to a full water refill depot.
Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️
1. Identify Your Target Market
- Estates with unreliable water supply.
- Apartments without boreholes.
- Small businesses (restaurants, salons, car washes).
2. Secure a Water Source
Options include:
- Partnering with a borehole owner.
- Buying from bulk vendors at wholesale rates.
- If possible, investing in your own borehole (long-term).
3. Get Delivery Equipment
- Start with jerricans and a wheelbarrow.
- Upgrade to a cart or boda boda with racks.
4. Package & Deliver
- Sell in 20L jerricans.
- Clearly label clean drinking water vs. general-use water.
- Deliver at consistent times to build trust.
5. Price Your Water
- General use water: KES 10 – 20 per liter.
- 20L jerrican: KES 30 – 60 depending on area.
- Drinking water: KES 70 – 100 per 20L jerrican.
Profit Breakdown 📊
Example:
- Buy 20L jerrican of borehole water at KES 20.
- Sell at KES 50.
- Profit = KES 30 per jerrican.
If you deliver 50 jerricans daily:
- Profit = KES 1,500 per day.
- Monthly = KES 40,000 – 60,000.
With drinking water:
- Buy at KES 40.
- Sell at KES 80 – 100.
- Profit = KES 40 – 60 per jerrican.
👉 Higher profits if you own the source.
Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️
- Water Shortages: Supply interruptions affect deliveries.
- Solution: Work with multiple borehole vendors.
- Transport Limitations: Carrying jerricans is labor-intensive.
- Solution: Invest in a cart or boda boda as you grow.
- Customer Trust: Some vendors mix dirty water.
- Solution: Ensure clean, safe water and build trust.
- County Licensing: Some counties regulate water vending.
- Solution: Get a simple business permit early.
Tips to Grow 🚀
- Offer subscription plans (weekly or monthly deliveries).
- Partner with restaurants and salons for bulk supply.
- Introduce drinking water refill points at estates.
- Expand into bottled water branding in the long term.
- Brand your service with a name like “AquaDrop Delivery Kenya.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Q: How much capital do I need to start a water delivery business in Kenya?
A: With KES 10,000 – 25,000, you can buy jerricans, a cart, and secure water supply to begin.
Q: How profitable is water delivery?
A: Profit per jerrican is KES 30 – 60, with monthly income ranging from KES 40,000 – 60,000+.
Q: Do I need my own borehole?
A: Not to start. You can buy from bulk suppliers at wholesale prices.
Q: Who are my main customers?
A: Estates, apartments, small businesses, and restaurants.
Conclusion
The water refill and delivery business in Kenya is a simple, profitable hustle that addresses a daily household need. With KES 10,000 – 25,000, you can start delivering water in jerricans to estates, offices, and businesses and earn steady income. With consistency, hygiene, and reliability, this can grow into a full water refill station or bottled water brand.
👉 Explore more hustler-friendly opportunities in the Business Ideas Hub — with over 50+ small businesses you can start today.
