Ever wondered where the distilled water, that we often enjoy, comes from? In this Season 2, Episode 4 of Kijana Leo TV program, we feature Caylak Group, a youth led enterprise addressing Tanzania’s need for distilled water. Founded in 2021, the Mwanza-based company has developed an innovative, sustainable and affordable solution to meet the growing local demand for distilled water. By leveraging Lake Victoria’s freshwater supply, Caylak Group provides high-quality distilled water for educational, healthcare, and small-scale industries purposes, all while addressing youth unemployment. Currently, Caylak Group has five core members leading operations, two permanent staff managing daily activities, and 18 temporary workers, mostly young people from Mwanza, who benefit from job opportunities and skills training.
At the heart of Caylak Group is Sarah Daniel, the founder and driving force behind this innovation. Her vision extends beyond distilled water production—she is committed to empowering local youth and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Distilled water is essential for various sectors and industries, including the education sector, where schools and universities use it in science laboratories, and the healthcare sector, where hospitals depend on it for sterilization and surgical preparation. Distillated water is also a crucial component in the cosmetic and food industries.
Caylak Group’s growth has been driven by strategic partnerships and institutional support. They have worked closely with the Mwanza Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (MWAUWASA), gaining technical expertise and participating in study tours to enhance production efficiency. Initially, Caylak Group operated with two small-scale machines, each producing 100 liters per day. However, after securing a no-interest loan from the Municipal Council, Caylak Group invested in machinery which has increased its production capacity tenfold, from 100 to 1,000 liters per day.
The impact of Caylak Group reaches across schools, healthcare facilities, and local businesses, ensuring that distilled water remains accessible and affordable. Caylak Group is both strategic and environmentally sensitive, by offering competitive prices and reduced costs for customers who bring their own gallon water bottles.
For more insights into this transformative journey, and to learn how young people in Mwanza are pioneering a basic service like distilled water, watch the full episode of Kijana Leo on our YouTube channel.
