A Year Later: Kathama Community

A year ago, generous donors helped construct a sand dam and hand-dug well for Kathama Community in Kenya. The contributions of incredible monthly donors and others giving directly to The Water Promise allow teams to visit project sites throughout the year, strengthening relationships with communities and evaluating the water project over time. These consistent visits allow us to learn vital lessons and hear amazing stories – and we’re excited to share this one from Lilian Kendi with you.

Mr. Amos Matheka and Mr. Musyoka Wambua celebrate that since the entry of water into Kathama Community, there have been improvements in many areas of life. Farmers are experiencing successful harvests of watermelons, tomatoes, and other vegetables. Less time is spent doing chores while more time is spent making an income. Improved hygiene has welcomed improved health.

Mr. Amos Matheka filling a jerrycan with water from the sand dam and well system.

"The biggest change I have experienced on a personal level is the distance covered. I used to go and fetch water very far which hindered me from working on my motorcycle business. I had to wake up very early to go and fetch water for the family when my wife was expecting. The well is very close," said Mr. Amos Matheka.

Mr. Amos Matheka

"Now we can engage in other activities such as farming because there is more time at our disposal and the house chores can be finished early enough. I have used the water from this well for farming watermelons, tomatoes and kales."

Mr. Wambua continued the thought, saying "The environment has changed, and we are happy about it. It is cool and serene with lots of green vegetation to look at. The water levels have increased, making the water table near and easily accessible. Our livestock can now get easy access to water, our domestic work is easier to perform and we have enough food because of the water."

Mr. Musyoka Wambua

Construction of the dam and well is only one step along the journey toward sustainable access to clean water. The Water Project is committed to consistent monitoring of each water source. Our monitoring and evaluation program, made possible by donors like you, allows us to maintain our relationships with communities by visiting up to 4 times each year to ensure that the water points are safe and reliable.

This is just one of the many ways that we monitor projects and communicate with you. Additionally, you can always check the functionality status and our project map to see how all of our water points are performing, based on our consistent monitoring data.

This is only possible because of the web of support and trust built between The Water Project, our local teams, the community, and you. We are excited to stay in touch with this community and support their journey with safe water.

Read more about The Water Promise and how you can help.