Innovative Tuk tuk as mobile water purification system

Involved organisations:

Q-Point B.V. – Project management, business development, and responsible for the involvement of the communities in the innovation process

Plotus Technology Ltd (Kenya) – Technical design of the system, local assembly and installation

House of Maji (Kenya) – Technical design and installation of the Reverse Osmosis (RO) component

OffGridBox (Rwanda/Netherlands) – Technology and commercial feasibility advice

Context

In northern Kenya, communities such as the El Molo face a daily struggle to access clean drinking water and reliable electricity. Villages around Lake Turkana are remote, economically vulnerable, and heavily reliant on external aid for survival. Due to high salinity, elevated fluoride levels, and pollution, the lake’s water is unsafe to drink, leading to serious health issues such as diarrhoea and bone deformities.

Existing water purification systems are often too expensive to maintain over time, making them dependent on ongoing external funding. These systems are also typically fixed in one location, meaning many villages and institutions, including schools and clinics, are left without access to safe water. Electricity is also scarce. Although mobile phones are widely used, the lack of a stable power supply makes it difficult to charge devices and maintain communication.

This initiative offers a practical and sustainable response to these urgent challenges: a mobile, off-grid water filtration unit powered by solar energy. The system is locally designed and assembled, reducing import costs while boosting the regional economy. Its compact design allows for easier maintenance, even in hard-to-reach areas. Thanks to its mobility, the system can serve multiple villages and be rapidly deployed in times of drought or emergency.

NGOs, governments, or humanitarian organisations can purchase the unit as a one-time investment and deploy it in selected regions. Ongoing operation, maintenance, and daily use are managed by the local community, with training and guidance provided. Revenue from the sale of clean water can be reinvested to cover maintenance and operational costs, helping the system remain self-sustaining in the long term.

Curious to see the system in action? Watch this short video showcasing prototype testing in the region: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiNYLdYrJQs

Project goal en outputs

This initiative aims to develop a commercially viable mobile water filtration unit based on Reverse Osmosis (RO), combined with a sustainable solar-powered energy supply. The unit will be tested in real-world local conditions and refined based on technical, social, and economic feedback.

Key activities include:

Designing and assembling the prototype in Kenya, and further developing it into a market-ready product
Conducting a technical feasibility assessment and optimising the solar energy system
Performing user tests with diverse communities living around Lake Turkana
Co-creating a locally supported business model with cost recovery through water and energy services
Monitoring system performance and reporting results
Marketing the product and identifying potential customers

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
The project contributes to reducing water-related diseases by improving access to safe drinking water in vulnerable communities.

SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
The Tuk Tuk unit delivers WHO-standard water purification directly to areas lacking infrastructure, enabling on-site access to clean water.

SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
By combining solar power with a backup generator, the system provides reliable, sustainable electricity for essential community services.

SDG 13 – Climate Action
The mobile installation strengthens community resilience to climate-related challenges such as droughts and floods, due to its rapid deployability in times of crisis.