SanUp: Scaling Next-Generation Sanitation Enterprises—and Access—for Greater Impact

SHF presents SanUp—a new catalytic pilot initiative designed to support high-potential sanitation enterprises in Kenya and Uganda. The goal: to scale their capacity, unlock financing, and lay the groundwork for thriving, sustainable sanitation economies.

Across Kenya and Uganda, a quiet revolution is underway. A new wave of sanitation entrepreneurs—from independent masons and pit emptiers to full-service providers and innovators converting fecal sludge into products (waste-to-value)—is meeting growing demand for quality sanitation services. This momentum is driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, rising incomes, and an increased willingness to invest in sanitation. But to grow, these businesses need more than market opportunity—they need access to finance.

SanUp is SHF’s response to that need—structured as a two-phase pilot program with the longer-term objective of designing a permanent, revolving financing vehicle for sanitation enterprises.

Launched in June 2025 and implemented by CEWAS, Phase I of the initiative offers a powerful blend of tailored technical assistance (TA) and catalytic financing instruments—with funding support of up to US$30,000 per enterprise. SanUp is also focused on preparing sanitation SMEs for larger follow-on investment, helping them become investment-ready and resilient.

In Phase II (2026-), the initiative will offer financing above US$50,000 per enterprise, building on the foundational work in Phase I. The combined objective of both phases is to test and refine scalable support models that can feed into a revolving enterprise support and financing structure to meet the sector's capital needs at scale, to bring the sanitation market maturity of the countries to a level where commercial investors will play an increasing role.

Targeted Support, Effective Impact

At the core of SanUp is a collaborative, structured support process. Each selected enterprise will first undergo an Enterprise Diagnostics TA Package—a proven tool to assess needs and identify gaps. From there, the team will co-develop a Scope of Work (SoW) that defines a customized TA plan, outlines strategic priorities, and sets measurable goals. This approach ensures that support is targeted, results-driven, and aligned with each SME’s growth trajectory to deliver greater, effective impact. 

SanUp will run through to 2026 and is currently accepting applications from sanitation enterprises operating in Kenya and Uganda.

For more details on criteria and modalities —and to apply—visit: www.san-up.creation.camp