The things that we do matter. Access to safe water is one of the biggest concerns for humanity, and now this community will have water.
- 3 mins read time
- Published: 25th August 2025
Inflatable Concrete Water Tanks: A First in Africa
How Oxfam Kenya is transforming water access in Turkana County
In June 2025, Oxfam Kenya introduced an innovation in water storage that is being used for the first time anywhere in Africa: Deploy inflatable concrete water tanks. These tanks are not only revolutionary for their material but also for their ease of installation, providing a practical solution in areas where access to water is a daily challenge.
Turkana County, an arid region in northern Kenya, faces severe water scarcity for both drinking and livestock. Mercy, Oxfam Kenya’s Water and Sanitation Lead, explains:
The biggest problem that we have here is access to water, for both drinking and even for livestock.— Mercy, Oxfam Kenya’s Water and Sanitation Lead
Previously, plastic tanks were used in the area, but the new inflatable concrete tanks mark a major step forward. Easy to transport and install, the tanks can be set up quickly and provide long-term, durable storage.
The installation process is fascinating. As the team prepares the tank, an air blower inflates it, yes, it’s concrete, but inflatable!
Rupert, Oxfam’s Equipment Quality & Development Manager, describes attaching the air hose and watching the tank expand, while Paul, founder and CEO of Deploy, highlights that the tanks are designed for rapid deployment, easy maintenance, and 100% repairability. Each unit holds 14,000 litres of water.
Over a few days, the tanks were carefully hydrated, the plumbing installed, and connections completed. The community and school now have reliable access to water, dramatically improving daily life. Sara, the local headteacher, shares:
Before this, children used to go all the way to the hand pump to collect water. These tanks will help the learners and also the community at large.— Michael, Oxfam Kenya’s Logistics Advisor
Michael, Oxfam Kenya’s Logistics Advisor, notes the efficiency:
“It takes four days to put up Deploy tanks, compared to a month for concrete or steel tanks. A great innovation.”
Michael, Oxfam Kenya’s Logistics Advisor, notes the efficiency:
“It takes four days to put up Deploy tanks, compared to a month for concrete or steel tanks. A great innovation.”
Mercy and her team will continue monitoring the project to ensure the tanks serve the community well. This milestone demonstrates the power of innovation and collaboration in tackling one of humanity’s most pressing challenges, access to safe water.
See how in Turkana County, Oxfam Kenya is pioneering an innovation in water storage. Here, for the first time anywhere in Africa, see Deploy inflatable concrete water tanks being installed (yes that's inflatable concrete). 'One of the biggest concerns for humanity is access to water' says Mercy from Oxfam. We hope this new technology could be one answer to a more sustainable supply for communities.
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