A Year Later: Kithumba Community

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

There's a new serenity to the area and green vegetation has developed over time.

Plenty of farming is progressing near the water source, and the members have established a tree nursery with a variety of crops such as mango tree seedlings, moringa, and avocado tree seedlings. The water that's gathered at the sand dam provides sufficient water for their livestock. The members have managed to achieve good hygiene and sanitation levels due to the availability of water near their homes.

From left to right: Richard Muunge, Lilian Kendi, and Veronica Munini

We spoke to Richard Muunge and Veronica Munini about some of the other changes they have witnessed over the past year.

"The distance covered in a bid to access the water is shorter compared to the one we walked initially. Therefore, more time is conserved for other income-generating activities," shared Mr. Muunge.

"The shallow well has fresh water. There's also more sand along the riverbed and the water levels have really increased."

Mr. Richard Muunge

Most households have installed tippy tap handwashing stations near their latrines and the women of the group make soap which is supplied to other community members at a low cost. This enhances better hygiene and sanitation practices for all.

Construction of the 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 water system in Kithumba is changing many lives.

"My life has improved since the implementation of this project. Initially, I would borrow a neighbor's donkey to go and fetch water about three kilometers from my home at a spring. I used to wake up very early and the queue would be so long, lasting me two to three hours at the water source," Mrs. Munini recalled.

Mrs. Veronica Munini

"Now the situation has changed. I spend less than an hour fetching water. I have managed to buy my own donkey and I also have time to take my products to the market. The water I attain from this shallow well is very fresh for drinking and cooking."

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.