Nzula is Empowered by Clean Water!

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Nzula Musyoki. Since then, he and the Kitile Community of 980 residents have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"What I really enjoy about fetching water here at the new project is the convenience it brings to our daily lives. The water is so much closer now, and it’s incredibly clean, which makes me feel at ease using it for drinking and cooking. It’s amazing to see how this project has brought people together—fetching water has become more of a social activity where I can catch up with neighbors. Plus, knowing that the water source is sustainable gives me a sense of security for the future."

Before the Sand Dam Installation

Like many in Southeastern Kenya, 49-year-old Nzula is responsible for collecting water to meet daily water needs. Before last year’s water intervention, this task stole his time and negatively affected him.

Community member hauling water home before the sand dam installation.

Drinking the water caused severe consequences. Many in the community suffered from waterborne diseases that created health problems, affecting their daily lives. Limited accessibility also meant people wasted time collecting sufficient water to meet their needs. The difficult journey to collect water sapped their physical and emotional energy, creating roadblocks. For Nzula, in particular, it stole his family's sense of safety.

"Before the sand dam project was built, I faced a lot of challenges with water. We struggled to find enough clean water, especially during the dry seasons. I often had to walk long distances to river Athi to fetch flowing water, and even then, it wasn’t always safe to drink. The water source would pose significant dangers as crocodiles would strike and attack us to [the] point of killing some of us. The condition of the water caused health problems for my family and myself. It was exhausting and stressful, as water scarcity affected almost every part of daily life, from cooking to farming," he said.

Since the Sand Dam Installation

Your generous gift last year was much more than a simple donation; it was a powerful statement about your commitment to this community and Nzula’s future. By supporting the water solution, you made clean water an everyday reality, fostering hope for a brighter future.

Reliable and clean water lays the groundwork for improved health, education, and economic possibilities, allowing people to thrive. We frequently hear from those we interview that "water is life!"

"The best thing about living with clean water is the sense of security and well-being it brings. I don’t have to worry about getting sick from something as essential as drinking water, and it’s incredibly empowering to know that I have access to something so vital for my health and daily life. Clean water makes everything smoother—cooking, cleaning, and even enjoying a refreshing glass on a hot day feel like a gift. It’s one of those things that can be easy to take for granted, but I’m deeply grateful for it every day," Nzula shared.

We asked Nzula if he was still worried about his and his family's safety since the sand dam was implemented. He said, "Honestly, not as much as before. The situation has changed so much—it feels like a different world. Before, every trip to fetch water was a gamble. Now, with the sand dam, the water source is closer and feels much more secure. The journey is shorter, and I don’t have to spend hours trekking or worrying about the kids fetching water alone. It’s not just about the convenience—it’s about peace of mind. Knowing that the water is reliable and close by has lifted such a heavy burden."

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Nzula and the rest of his community. This is just the first chapter of their story as access to clean water continues to improve their lives!

At The Water Project, we value sustainability and want to ensure that people continue to thrive. We commit to monitoring this project to ensure the water is always flowing and safe to consume. We inspect the system hardware, track water availability, conduct sanitary inspections, and collect water quality samples to identify risks. We work with our team on the ground to resolve them.

You gave Nzula a crucial tool for achieving his dreams: access to clean water. Together, we can excitedly expect that with this precious resource, his enthusiasm and courage will help fulfill dreams.

"Since the project was completed, I managed to start a small farm where I have planted spinach, papaws, bananas and nappier grass for my livestock. The project has been central in my venture in farming as before, the land was dusty and dry; hence, I relied on perennial rains, making it almost difficult to start any farming. I dream of having a large farm and employ a lot of people. Just to see my farm thrive in lush greenery would soothe my heart."