How Much Does It Cost to Start a Water Refilling Business in Kenya?
Quick answer: The biggest cost in a water refilling business is the treatment and refill station. A starter setup built from our current prices (a 125 LPH 3-in-1 station, a 1,000-litre tank and a TDS meter) comes to about KSh 349,000 in equipment. Then add premises, licences and water testing, branding, bottles and a few months of running costs.
Key facts
- Equipment is the largest single cost
- Plan licences, water testing and branding before opening
- Keep 2–3 months of running costs as working capital
- Size the machine to real demand; upgrade later
On this page
Starter equipment (current prices)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| H-TECH 125 LPH 3-in-1 Borehole RO Water Vending Machine | KSh 330,000 |
| 1000L Reliance Loft Tank – No More Water Shortages! | KSh 12,500 |
| TDS Handheld Meter | KSh 6,500 |
| Equipment subtotal | KSh 349,000 |
Built from current listed prices (incl. VAT). Your quotation confirms delivery and installation.
Other start-up costs to budget
| Cost | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Premises | Rent deposit, plumbing, electrical points, tiling, lighting |
| Licences | County business permit, public health inspection, KEBS if selling packaged water |
| Water testing | Raw and treated water tests at an accredited laboratory |
| Branding | Shop sign, machine branding, labels |
| Bottles and caps | 20 L and smaller bottles for sale or deposit |
| Working capital | Rent, power, filters and salaries for the first months |
Other machine sizes
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 30 September 2026). Full range: Water vending machines price list.
How to keep costs down
- Start with the machine size your area needs today; add capacity later.
- Choose UF instead of RO if your municipal water is already low in TDS.
- Use storage tanks so a smaller plant can meet peak demand.
Next steps: how to start a refill business and RO plant sizing.
Watch: starting a water refill business
Frequently asked questions
How much capital do I need for a water refilling business?
Equipment for a starter setup from our current prices is about KSh 349,000; add premises, licences, testing, branding and working capital.
What is the cheapest way to start?
A dispenser for already-purified water, or a UF station on low-TDS municipal water, costs less than a full borehole RO plant.
Do I need KEBS approval?
For packaged (sealed) water, yes: KEBS certification. Refill shops must meet county public health requirements.
How long until the business pays back?
It depends on daily litres sold, price per litre and costs; work it out from your own sales estimate.