A Year Later: Kaani Community, Ivuka SHG

A year ago, generous donors helped construct a sand dam and hand-dug well for Kaani 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 within Ivuka Village are no longer traveling to Thwake River, more than two kilometers away, to fetch water from scoop holes. The water project implemented in their village last year has been supplying them with clean water all year round.

Time initially wasted in the pursuit of water is now being utilized for farming. The majority of people here report having substantially increased their food production during this harvesting period.

"This project has brought clean water close to everyone within the village and all of us are reaping the fruits of its existence," Patricia Mbithe said.

"Water from the well is always clean and sweet; the project has brought joy to all of us."

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 Kaani is changing many lives.

"Before the implementation of this project I had never been involved in fetching water because the distances involved were large," Caleb Wambua, a six-year-old boy, said.

"Nowadays, mum has been sending me to the well to get water because it is near our home. I enjoy the process of pumping!"

Caleb pumping the well

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.