Water Services on the Brink: Understanding the Financial Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Water Service Providers in Sub-Saharan Africa

Water service providers across sub-Saharan Africa, like much of the world, are facing acute challenges as they seek to maintain operations for the populations they serve. Sweeping lock-downs and travel restrictions are changing the makeup of their customer base and consumption habits, while many governments have called on utilities to operate free of charge. Using Kenya and Uganda as case studies, this analysis will explore the major effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on water service providers-- knowing that handwashing with soap and water is critical personal protective equipment, or PPE, and that water service delivery, despite reduced revenue and growing accounts receivable, is essential in the fight to contain the virus.