VERA OUKO

Vera Ouko is a highly accomplished Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) expert and the Managing Director of Saniwise Technologies Limited, a social enterprise dedicated to providing affordable and modern sanitation solutions for informal settlements. Her unwavering commitment to enhancing community health and ensuring equitable access to clean water and dignified sanitation is deeply rooted in her personal journey, having grown up in the informal settlements of Kisumu, Kenya. This lived experience fuels her passion for impactful change, particularly in low-income urban environments. With over three years of intensive experience in community WASH project implementation, Vera's expertise is further solidified by a Master's degree in Sanitation, which has equipped her with an in-depth understanding of complex sanitation systems and cutting-edge technologies. Her robust technical skills in public health have enabled her to conduct pivotal research on urban sanitation provision, culminating in the publication of her insightful article, "Integration of container based sanitation service provision in cities: influence of gender, religion and culture." This academic foundation was laid through the prestigious Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation scholarship, where she was part of the inaugural cohort of global sanitation graduates in Kenya, gaining invaluable insights into the political economies within the WASH sector through collaborations with organizations like the Sanitation Research Centre. Beyond her technical prowess, Vera is a dynamic force for change and a fervent advocate for women's leadership and economic empowerment. Her entrepreneurial spirit was significantly honed as an alumna of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) through their entrepreneurship program, a vital initiative that has empowered her to translate innovative ideas into sustainable solutions. She is also an active member of She Leads Africa (SLA), consistently working to inspire and empower women to assume impactful leadership roles across various societal spheres, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors. As Managing Director at Saniwise Technologies, Vera's strategic acumen and leadership have been instrumental in the company's rapid growth and recognition. Her exceptional representation of Saniwise in diverse forums, including the 2022 imaGen Ventures Youth Challenge where Saniwise secured an impressive second position globally, showcases her ability to articulate vision and drive strategic partnerships. Notably, Vera's concerted efforts in advocating for critical sanitation issues and spearheading grant mobilization have been pivotal in
positioning Saniwise Technologies Limited as a strong candidate for a substantial $10 million grant from USAIDWestern Kenya. This crucial funding aims to significantly boost the adoption of market-based sanitation solutions, further amplifying their transformative impact on communities in need. Vera Ouko epitomizes a true changemaker, seamlessly blending her profound WASH expertise with a powerful commitment to fostering entrepreneurial solutions and advancing women's leadership. Her leadership at Saniwise Technologies stands as a testament to her dedication to driving sustainable positive change, improving public health, and empowering communities through enhanced access to dignified sanitation.