A Year Later: Kivani Community

A year ago, generous donors helped construction a sand dam and hand-dug well for Kivani 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 Titus Mbithi with you.

Water access in Kaviani has been greatly boosted by installation of the water point. The community members now have easy access to clean drinking water all year round, unlike before when they had to walk for long distances to access this basic commodity.

Hygiene and sanitation levels at the household have improved as a result of the community training. The majority of the community members wash their hands with clean water before eating meals as well as after visiting latrines. This has led to lower disease prevalence among the community members.

"In the last one year, life has been really enjoyable. It's unbelievable how the short distance, less than a kilometer, we walk for water can provide time for development," Mule Wambua said.

"Now that we walk shorter distances we have time for personal development activities at home as well as improving our lives when we work in the farm and take care of our livestock."

The short distance to the water point and the ease to fetch the water means more people can help get water. Mutie Munyao, a 67 year-old man in the community, said now he and his grandchildren will go get water - something neither could do before the well was completed.

"The environment at home is now more clean and appealing because the water is available in adequate volumes. The houses, latrines and kitchen are clean as they are cleaned on a regular basis," he added.

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.

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 dam and well in Kivani is changing many lives.

"The water is sweet and clean for drinking and cooking our favorite traditional meals," Mr. Wambua said.

"Our children are also enjoying the water as they can now stay clean by showering and wearing clean clothes."

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.