By Swift News | Africa Desk
Ugandan tech startup Sandi AI has officially entered the Kenyan market, introducing two new tools Group Rotational Savings and USSD access to help communities finance clean water and sanitation projects more easily.
The expansion marks a significant step in Sandi AI’s mission to make clean water access inclusive, affordable, and community-driven, particularly for rural areas where smartphone and banking access remain limited.
“Our mission is simple: make clean water accessible to everyone, no matter where they live or what kind of phone they use,” said Nabakka Sandra, Chief Executive Officer of Sandi AI, during the launch event in Nairobi. “With our new group savings model and USSD feature, communities can save together, support each other, and access quality water solutions from trusted partners.”
The Group Rotational Savings system, branded Save Now, Take Later, allows small community groups to pool their money toward a shared goal, such as building rainwater harvesting or sanitation facilities. Once the target is reached, one member benefits, and the process continues until all participants receive their share.
“For example, a group of eight members can contribute monthly toward a water project,” Sandra explained. “Each month, one member gets the installation until everyone has benefited. It builds fairness, trust, and shared ownership.”
Unlike traditional lenders, Sandi AI does not sell water systems directly. Instead, it connects community groups with verified partner manufacturers to ensure affordable and high-quality water technologies. Its AI system tracks contributions, ensures transparency, and guides users throughout the savings process.
To close the digital gap, Sandi AI has introduced USSD access, allowing users with basic mobile phones not just smartphones to register, join groups, make contributions, and monitor progress.
“Digital exclusion has left many people behind,” Sandra said. “With USSD, even those using simple phones can participate and stay connected. Everyone deserves a fair chance at clean water.”
Sandi AI’s new Nairobi office will serve as its regional hub in Kenya, strengthening partnerships with local NGOs, manufacturers, and community organizations. The company’s headquarters remain in Uganda, managing operations across East Africa.
“Kenya’s vibrant tech ecosystem and strong community networks make it the perfect base for our next phase,” Sandra noted. “We’re here to collaborate with local partners and scale our impact.”
Sandi AI’s model blends AI technology, community finance, and social innovation, creating what it calls “water credit”—a savings-driven approach that helps communities invest in their own water infrastructure.
“As we grow, our focus stays the same: empowering communities to take control of their water future,” Sandra said. “This is not just about technology. It’s about people working together to solve real challenges.”
About Sandi AI
Founded in Uganda, Sandi AI is a social innovation platform that uses artificial intelligence to help communities access affordable clean water and sanitation solutions. By combining savings models, AI guidance, and USSD access, it connects communities to verified technology providers and drives sustainable impact across Africa.
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