NAIROBI
Uganda’s fast-rising tech startup Sandi AI is taking bold steps across borders, officially expanding into Kenya while unveiling two new innovations, Group Rotational Savings and USSD access aimed at helping communities finance clean water and sanitation systems.
The company, known for its AI-powered approach to social impact, says the new tools are designed to bring everyone on board, from smartphone users in cities to villagers relying on basic mobile phones.
“Our dream is to make clean water accessible, affordable, and community-led,” said Nabakka Sandra, Sandi AI’s Chief Executive Officer, during the Nairobi launch. “With these new features, even the most remote communities can save together, support each other, and get access to reliable water solutions directly from trusted manufacturers.”
The Group Rotational Savings model, branded “Save Now, Take Later” encourages groups to pool funds toward shared goals like water tanks or sanitation facilities. Once the target is reached, one member benefits each cycle until all have received their installations.
“It’s simple but powerful,” Sandra explained. “A group of eight can contribute monthly toward a rainwater harvesting system. Every month, one member gets theirs until everyone does. It builds unity, fairness, and accountability.”
Unlike microfinance institutions, Sandi AI doesn’t sell the technology. Instead, it connects saving groups to verified partner manufacturers that offer high-quality and affordable water systems. The AI platform keeps everything transparent, tracking contributions, progress, and transactions while providing real-time guidance to help communities reach their goals faster.
To ensure inclusivity, the company has introduced USSD access, enabling users with basic mobile phones to participate in savings groups, make contributions, and monitor their progress without needing internet access.
“Technology should bring people together, not leave them behind,” Sandra said. “With USSD, even people without smartphones can save, plan, and change their communities.”
The company’s new Nairobi office will serve as a regional base, coordinating with local NGOs, manufacturers, and community organisations. Its main headquarters will remain in Uganda, managing operations across the wider East African region.
“Kenya’s innovation energy makes it the perfect partner for our next chapter,” Sandra added. “This expansion allows us to work hand-in-hand with local organisations and scale impact across borders.”
Sandi AI’s model blends AI analytics, collective savings, and ethical technology partnerships into what it calls “water credit”, a system that allows communities to finance their own clean water projects. The goal, Sandra said, is not just financial access, but empowerment.
“As we expand across Africa, our vision is clear,” she said. “This isn’t just about apps or algorithms, it’s about people taking charge of their water future, one small contribution at a time.”
About Sandi AI
Founded in Uganda, Sandi AI is an artificial intelligence-driven social impact platform that helps African communities save and access clean water and sanitation solutions. By linking group savings, USSD tools, and trusted technology partners, the platform delivers transparency, affordability, and sustainable progress across the continent.
