Giving Update: Kakuswi Community

Life was very hard before. We used to fetch water at Mangau River, which is about four kilometers from my homestead. During the dry season, the river would dry out, and we had to dig very deep scoop holes to get water. There were very long queues at the water source, which would take up almost the whole day for one to be reached to fetch water. At times we had to wake up very early to go to the water source to fetch water to avoid the long lines. The water was not very clean for direct consumption, and there were rampant cases of illnesses reported as a result of drinking this water. Procrastination of household duties was normal because the water fetched had to be used sparingly to avoid wastage/ the many trips to the water source," said Virginia Muia.

"Getting water from this project has been easy and very convenient for us. The distance covered to access the water point is short, hence the trips to and from the water source being minimal. In just a few strokes, our jerrycans are often filled with water, and we can get back home to engage in household activities. I have been using the water from the well for drinking (after boiling), cooking, cleaning, watering trees/plants, and my livestock. Hygiene and sanitation have improved, and now we are confident about ourselves."

Virginia Muia

"Through the availability of water from this project, I managed to establish a vegetable garden where I have planted orange and mango trees and vegetables such as spinach, kale, and tomatoes for domestic use. The presence of water has brought a sense of security where I feel I can work hard to provide for my family. Since the sanitation and hygiene training, I have also been making soap, which I sell to other community members. By God's grace, I plan to embark on agribusiness whereby I can farm watermelons, green pepper, and tomatoes on a large scale."

Virginia pumps the well