A Year Later: Kithuluni Community

A year ago, generous donors helped construct a sand dam and hand-dug well for Kithuluni 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.

Living standards are already so much higher than before. A group was trained on making soap and have started selling soap as a group to other community members. They have managed to earn 4,000 shillings since their most recent review training. There have also been fewer cases of sickness due to their recent knowledge on water treatment.

From left to right: Francis Kyalo, Lilian Kendi, and Regina Kalekye

We spoke with Mrs. Regina Kalekye and Mr. Francis Kyalo about other changes they have witnessed over the past year.

"The water we have acquired since the completion of this project has been sufficient for practices such as irrigation, washing, drinking, farming and for our livestock," Mrs. Kalekye shared.

Mrs. Regina Kalekye

"We have been able to indulge in farming of vegetables such as kales, tomatoes, and beans. Initially, washing clothes was a periodic chore but now we wash clothes often because the water is plenty at the river. The sanitation levels of my home have also improved."

Before we could start talking with Francis, another woman came along to get water from the well. It didn't take long before she was on her way back home with a 20-liter jerrycan of clean water.

"Water levels along the river have increased, and [water] has also become nearer compared to where we used to fetch before. The distance covered has decreased and the exhausting activities of digging scoop holes are now a distant memory," said Francis.

Francis Kyalo pumping water for Mrs. Kalekye.

"Life is easier now... The shallow well provides access to fresh and clean drinking water. The vegetation has also improved making the environment cool and temperate."

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.