Giving Update: Kivandini Community

September, 2019

A year ago, your generous donation helped Kivandini in Kenya access clean water – creating a life-changing moment for Michael Mbithi. Thank you!

Giving Update: Kivandini Community


The lives of many community members in Kivandini have changed in the year since the completion of the sand dam and hand-dug well. For Michael Mbithi, the access to water throughout the year and near his home allowed him to start his own brickmaking business. He is now selling the bricks he makes using water from the dam to make $40 per shipment.

"With that money, I am able to pay school fees for my children and cater for other family needs," he said during a recent visit to the community.

Kivandini community members are marveling at the surplus supply of water that has been attained in their region. The distance traveled to fetch water has reduced as the water source is just a stone's throw away from most homesteads. The water table is very high and the water fetched from the shallow well is fresh for drinking.

"The water source is 300 meters away from my home which makes the performance of household duties very seamless," said Caro Kithiaka.

Caro Kithiaka

"I created a vegetable garden near the water project where I have planted kales; this allows for a variety of meals at home."

The time that was spent in pursuit of water in the past is now channeled to income-generating activities such as farming and brickmaking. People like Caro and Michael are thriving thanks to the water made available from the dam.

Michael holds one of the bricks he made with water from the dam

There are other benefits realized by the community, too. Bathing which would occur once or twice a week is now a daily activity. Overall hygiene and sanitation is getting better due to both the access to the water and the lessons learned during the training.

"We always wash our hands before eating and after visiting the latrines with soap and water. There are fewer cases of stomachaches and diarrhea in my family as I have administered a handwashing habit in my home," Caro said.



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