The challenge of water scarcity and improving access to clean, safe drinking water in Africa is one that entrepreneur Ruth Mwanzia understood only too well growing up in Kenya. That experience was the inspiration behind her company, Koola Waters, a business venture which manufactures and distributes pure water to the country’s citizens.
LoA connected with Ruth Mwanzia this month to find out more about this high impact entrepreneurial venture
What does your company do?
We manufacture, distribute, treat and package pure drinking water.
"What Inspired me was my background - I grew up in Kitui County, a region in Kenya that experiences a semi arid climate. Due to the nature of the climate, we had challenges related to water scarcity and shortages. So, my company was born out of the challenges I experienced as I grew up and I wanted to address those challenges that my community was facing."
What inspired you to start your company?
What Inspired me was my background - I grew up in Kitui County, a region in Kenya that experiences a semi arid climate. Due to the nature of the climate, we had challenges related to water scarcity and shortages. So, my company was born out of the challenges I experienced as I grew up and I wanted to address those challenges that my community was facing.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Firstly, all our water goes through seven stages of filtration, meaning it's very pure. Secondly, our unique packaging and efficient delivery makes us stand out in the marketplace. Thirdly, from a corporate social responsibility perspective, we also give back to the community, and we do lots of tree planting activities in Kitui and youth empowerment programmes in Nairobi.
"Our water goes through seven stages of filtration, meaning it's very pure. Our unique packaging and efficient delivery makes us stand out in the marketplace."
"I want Koola waters to become a household name in Kenya and to scale globally as well."
Tell us a little about your team
We are a dynamic team - a team of hardworking people. We are currently a small team but we are growing.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Yes I come from an entrepreneurial background - my parents are entrepreneurs, so they have always mentored me to become an entrepreneur. As I grew up, I wanted to do medicine or become a television host, but as circumstances would have it, I turned out to be an entrepreneur.
"My parents are entrepreneurs, so they have always mentored me to become an entrepreneur. As I grew up, I wanted to do medicine or become a television host, but as circumstances would have it, I turned out to be an entrepreneur."
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I want Koola Waters to become a household name in Kenya and to scale globally as well.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The ability to make a difference and to create a solution that gives me the highest satisfaction.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
They should start their entrepreneurial journeys by just starting, and they should trust God and find ways of implementing their ideas. Importantly, they should also keep on networking.
Contact or follow Koolawaters
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL Info@koolawaters.co.ke
Why LoA loves it….
At LoA, we love those women entrepreneurs who are driven by a real passion for what they do and to find solutions to key challenges in their countries and communities. Ruth Mawia is one such entrepreneur taking her inspiration from the need to bring clean and safe drinking water to the citizens of her country, and building a successful business venture along the way - a win-win for everyone. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa