What if the solution to water scarcity was all around us—literally in the air we breathe? Beth Koigi, a visionary Kenyan entrepreneur, has made this a reality with Majik Water, an innovation that transforms air humidity into clean drinking water.
With over 200,000 liters produced monthly, Majik Water is already changing lives across Kenya and South Africa, providing a lifeline for communities facing severe water shortages.
Recognized globally, Koigi’s work earned her the 2023 Rolex Award for Enterprise, placing her among the world’s top problem solvers tackling urgent environmental issues.
Harnessing the Power of Air
Africa’s water crisis is worsening, with taps often running dry for days. But Koigi saw an untapped resource in the sky. Her atmospheric water generator uses sponge-like materials to capture moisture from the air.
Solar panels heat the material, turning moisture into water vapor, which is then condensed and purified into safe drinking water.
The result? Sustainable, renewable water access for communities that need it most!
A Mission Rooted in Experience
Koigi’s journey began in 2016, during a devastating drought in Kenya. As a student, she went days without water, watching as those who could afford it bought bottled water, while the poorest were forced to drink from contaminated sources.
Determined to find a new, independent water supply, she turned to the air around her.
Her breakthrough led to a global spotlight, with accolades from MIT’s Water Innovation Prize, the EDF Pulse Africa Award, and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Today, Koigi and her team of ten are scaling up operations, testing machines capable of producing 1,000 liters per day—enough to provide clean water to hundreds of people annually.
A Future Free from Water Scarcity
In Kenya alone, 10,000 people die each year from waterborne diseases. Across Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that up to 80% of illnesses are linked to poor water quality.
With climate change intensifying and Africa’s population projected to grow by 1.3 billion in the next 30 years, the need for sustainable water solutions has never been greater.
Koigi’s mission is clear: democratize water access so that “everyone, no matter where they are, has a clean, renewable source of water.”
With Majik Water scaling up production, her sky-high vision may soon reshape the future of water access worldwide.
