Is the self-read water meter a pro-poor innovation? Evidence from a low-income settlement in Nairobi

David Nilsson and Pär Blomkvist

Utilities Policy, 2021, vol. 68, issue C

Abstract: This study investigates the Jisomee Mita, an innovation based on ICT-powered metering at property level aimed at increasing access to piped water and sewerage in low-income areas in Nairobi, Kenya. We present empirical findings from field investigations and actor interviews, which are analysed using a novel framework drawing on studies of business models, sustainability transition, and the history of technology. We explore the critical interface between utility infrastructure and potential customers as a locus of innovation. We find that the property owners are the main benefactors of self-read meters, while low-income end-users still depend on over-priced and unsafe water. The Jisomee Mita thus cannot be called a pro-poor innovation in its current implementation and context.

Keywords: Water distribution; Smart metering; Pro-poor innovation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:juipol:v:68:y:2021:i:c:s0957178720301363

DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2020.101143

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