"The best thing is the freedom it gives!"

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Serah. Since then, she and the Kamukithe Community of 1,200 residents have had clean, reliable water from the well attached to the sand dam. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"The best thing is the freedom it gives. I don’t live in fear of illness anymore, and my family can drink water without worrying. We are cleaner, healthier, and more energized," reported Serah.

Before the Sand Dam Installation

Like many women in Southeastern Kenya, 53-year-old farmer Serah Mwende is responsible for collecting water to meet daily water needs. Before last year’s water intervention, this task stole her time and negatively affected her.

The previous water source.

Drinking the water from the previous water source 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 Serah, it made staying healthy difficult.

"Before this sand dam and shallow well were constructed, getting water was exhausting and discouraging. I had to walk for several kilometers in the scorching sun, either carrying a heavy jerrycan on my back or using a donkey. It took a lot of time and strength, leaving me too tired to do anything else—whether it was farming, cleaning, or even taking care of my family," recalled Ms. Mwende.

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 Serah’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!"

"What I like most is how close and convenient it is. I no longer dread the walk or waste hours every day fetching water. The water is clean, and I can access it anytime—even during the dry season. It gives me peace of mind," Ms. Mwende said.

"Since we started using this clean water, I no longer suffer from stomach problems like I used to. We are healthier, and I’ve even been able to start a small vegetable garden, which was impossible before. I also have more time to tend to my home and hygiene," she continued.

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Serah and her 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 system hardware, monitor water availability, conduct sanitary inspections, and collect water-quality samples to identify risks. We work with our on-the-ground team to resolve them.

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

Tree saplings.

"We’ve planted trees through our group nursery, and during the April rains, I was able to plant various trees on my farm because we have enough water in our community. I want to grow several trees in my farm, especially fruit trees like mango and pawpaw, because I now have enough water throughout the year to irrigate them. Selling fruits will earn me a good income, which I can use to support my family," said Ms. Mwende.

"I am very glad that I have had time to focus on my personal development because we have enough water from the project throughout the year," she concluded.

Farming made possible with water.