Filtered drinking-water refill kiosk
Starting costs about 3,310,000 NGN in Nigeria and 843,000 KES in Kenya. After 12 months, this business can bring in about 301,000 NGN net per month in Nigeria and 43,600 KES in Kenya. The starting money comes back in about 20 months, with 40 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 3,310,000 NGN | 301,000 NGN |
| Kenya | 843,000 KES | 43,600 KES |
| India | 413,000 INR | 31,800 INR |
| Philippines | 405,000 PHP | 24,900 PHP |
| South Africa | 132,000 ZAR | 8,380 ZAR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Where tap or well water is unsafe, families buy expensive bottled water and generate lots of plastic, or drink water that carries health risks.
The solution
A kiosk with multi-stage filtration and ultraviolet disinfection that refills customers' reusable containers and delivers 20-litre jugs.
Your customers
Families in low-income neighbourhoods, small restaurants, schools, offices and building sites without reliable safe drinking water.
How you make money
Sold per litre, well below bottled water prices, or €1-3 per delivered 20-litre jug, with prepaid cards.
Competition
Bottled and sachet water, informal resellers, other kiosks and household filters sold to families.
Who has an edge
A rigorous shopkeeper or technician who has the water tested regularly, displays results and builds neighbourhood trust.
The risks
Health liability if contamination occurs, mandatory permits and tests, water or power cuts, and low prices set by competitors.
The first 3 steps
- Have the source water tested and price a suitable treatment system.
- Check the health and trading permits required.
- Find a busy location and survey a hundred families on their spending.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €3,600 − costs €2,700 = €900 net per month. Revenue: 1,800 20-liter jugs × €2. Costs: kiosk rent, water and filters, electricity, jugs, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Filtered water kiosk?
About 3,310,000 NGN (Nigeria), 843,000 KES (Kenya), 413,000 INR (India), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about 301,000 NGN (Nigeria), 43,600 KES (Kenya), 31,800 INR (India) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 20 months, with 40 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Health liability if contamination occurs, mandatory permits and tests, water or power cuts, and low prices set by competitors.
Where do I start?
1. Have the source water tested and price a suitable treatment system. 2. Check the health and trading permits required. 3. Find a busy location and survey a hundred families on their spending.
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