A Year Later: Mwiyala Community, Benard Kasiani Spring

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to protect Benard Kasiani Spring for Mwiyala 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 local team member Karen Maruti with you.

We made a recent follow-up visit to Mwiyala Community to see the impact of the protection of Benard Kasiani Spring a year after it was completed. It is evident that the project has resulted in an increase of safe hygiene practices within this community. This includes neater compounds and well-kept latrines. An increased number of dish racks and clotheslines was also evident. The people we spoke with report improved health as incidences of diarrheal diseases have decreased.

Local community health worker Metrine Shilako and 9-year-old student Hesbone Namalo shared how the project has changed their lives over the past year.

Hesbone Namalo, Metrine Shilako, and field officer Karen Maruti

"Protection of this spring has enabled us to get clean water. In the past the water was very dirty but now it is clean," Metrine said. "We enjoy fetching water here as it is easier and faster."

We noticed during the visit that the amount of water coming from the pipe was not up to our standards. So, our teams fixed a new pipe that is a bit lower to help solve the problem. Simultaneously, community members began planting indigenous trees that help capture more water for the spring.

Protection of the spring 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.

We went back last week to check in on the progress of the spring. As you can see below, the spring is producing ample water.

"We are grateful for your constant follow ups as this has ensured that any challenges regarding water are solved," Metrine said.

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 spring in Mwiyala is changing many lives.

"This spring has also changed the image of my family," Hesbone explained.

"In school, the teachers refer to me as someone who comes from the protected spring. This has given me a sense of inner pride. I am happy to be part of this community."

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.