This study investigates the Jisomee Mita, an innovation based on ICT-powered metering at property level aimed at increasing access to piped water and sewerage in low-income areas in Nairobi, Kenya. We present empirical findings from field investigations and actor interviews, which are analysed using a novel framework drawing on studies of business models, sustainability transition, and the history of technology. We explore the critical interface between utility infrastructure and potential customers as a locus of innovation. We find that the property owners are the main benefactors of self-read meters, while low-income end-users still depend on over-priced and unsafe water. The Jisomee Mita thus cannot be called a pro-poor innovation in its current implementation and context.

这项研究调查了Jisomee Mita，这是一项基于ICT技术的财产级计量技术，旨在提高肯尼亚内罗毕低收入地区的自来水和污水处理量。我们介绍了来自实地调查和演员访谈的经验发现，并使用了一种基于商业模型，可持续性转型和技术历史研究的新颖框架来进行分析。我们探索公用事业基础设施与潜在客户之间的关键接口，将其作为创新的场所。我们发现，业主是自助读表的主要受益者，而低收入最终用户仍然依靠价格过高和不安全的水。因此，在当前的实施和背景下，Jiomee Mita不能被称为有利于穷人的创新。