A Year Later: Muselele Community

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

Community members of Muselele Village never have to walk to Yandia River anymore. They used to have to journey more than three kilometers away to get water from river scoop holes. But since a water project last year, there is a sand dam and shallow well installed in their village which provide clean water to the entire population.

Locals have planted fruits trees using the available water resources, and these are doing quite well. The community group is also running a tree nursery and are preparing these trees for planting at their individual homesteads during the upcoming short rains.

We spoke with Mr. Mbaluto Mavoi and 12-year-old Mwongela Kiilu about how their own lives have changed over the past year.

From left to right: Mr. Mbaluto Mavoi, Titus Mbithi, and Mwongela Kiilu

"Unlimited clean water is now available from within the center of the village within short distances to every homestead. We are no longer walking to Yandia River with donkeys alongside our wives in the morning looking for water since the project has handled our water needs," said Mr. Mavoi.

"I have planted fruits trees in my shamba (field) using water from this water facility. They are doing well and this is a trait which was never possible before because of water shortages!"

Mwongela Kiilu talked about how the availability of water has impacted his personal hygiene.

"The availability of water within a short distance has come with increased bathing times for me. Nowadays, I take a shower on a daily basis because water is available in plenty unlike before. Then, I could only shower thrice in a week as water was hard to get," he said.

"My mum now ensures I wash my hands before all meals and after visiting latrines as a way of maintaining high cleanliness."

Mr. Mavoi pumping water to fill Mwongela's jerrycan.

The environment is truly beautiful now, with lush green surroundings. The community is really enjoying the clean water supply from the sand dam and well system!

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.