A Year Later: Katitu Community

A year ago, your generous donation helped us construct a sand dam and hand-dug well for Katitu Community in Kenya. The contributions of incredible monthly donors and others giving directly to The Water Promise allow our 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 Titus Mbithi with you.

The immediate surroundings of the sand dam and well are green and attractive, thanks to there being water for a year so far.

From left to right: Timina Wambua, Patricia Mutuku, Titus Mbithi

We spoke to Timina Wambua and Patricia Mutuku about some of the other changes they have witnessed over the past year with water.

"We no longer walk for more than four kilometers to Thwake River looking for water to use in our homes. The shallow well has brought water close to us, therefore, making our work easier especially for women. Now I can even send my children to the well and in less than 15 minutes they are back with water," shared Mrs. Wambua.

"This is a long-time dream come true. My children have stopped complaining about stomach problems as the available water is now from a more trusted source."

Timina Wambua pumping water for Patricia Mutuku

Construction of the sand dam and well system 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.

One project is just a drop in the bucket towards ending the global water crisis, but the ripple effects of this project are truly astounding. This sand dam and well in Katitu are changing many lives.

Patricia Mutuku

Mrs. Mutuku chimed in to add her own experience of how she has used this water project.

"I have been able to use the water in watering tree seedlings which are now doing well. It's my hope that they will survive and develop into mature trees to make my home beautiful and serene. This was never possible in the past as there was no constant water supply," Mrs. Mutuku said.

"The shallow well has made fetching water more fun, as it is within the village and thus takes me less time. This has created more time for me to work on other personal activities that aid in family development. It has also enabled me to have more time with the family to create strong bonds - something which was never possible in the water-hunting era."

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.