{ "success": true, "projects": [ { "id": 3948, "projectid": 440104, "project_name": "Makulini Community 2B", "countryName": "Kenya", "countrySlug": "kenya", "latitude": "-0.627516", "longitude": "38.046479", "served": 300, "project_url": "https:\/\/thewaterproject.org\/community\/projects\/kenya\/protected-dug-well-wash-project-440104", "completedDate": "2026-03-27", "slug": "protected-dug-well-wash-project-440104", "status": 0, "project_description": "

In the quiet hills of the Makulini Community, where 400 people live, twelve-year-old Musyoka carries more than a yellow jerrycan each day \u2014 he carries the weight of his family\u2019s need for water. Every morning, before the sun grows too hot, Musyoka begins his long journey across steep, rocky ground to reach the nearest <a href="https:\/\/thewaterproject.org\/community\/2024\/09\/25\/what-is-a-scoop-hole\/">scoop hole<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

"The implemented protected shallow wells and scoop holes are far from my home. The steep and rocky terrain also makes fetching water an uphill and challenging task," shared Musyoka.<\/p>\n

What takes him an hour each day isn\u2019t just the walking \u2014 it\u2019s the waiting, the climbing, and the exhaustion that follows. Still, Musyoka continues because his family depends on him.<\/p>\n

<img class="wp-image size-full" src="https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/the-water-project\/image\/upload\/f_auto,w_1920\/Approved%20Uploads\/440104\/Kenya440103_Musyoka_M_2_jqq5jz_gf2e67.jpg" alt="" width="100%" \/><\/p>\n

The path to water is long and difficult, but it\u2019s also unsafe.
\n<blockquote>
\n<p style="text-align: center;">\u201cI worry about safety because the path to the waterpoint is steep and rocky. Sometimes, I slip, especially when I\u2019m tired or when the sun is too hot. The place is far and lonely, and I get scared when I\u2019m walking alone early in the morning or the evening. The scoop hole water itself is not always clean, and I\u2019ve seen my siblings fall sick after drinking it," Musyoka lamented.<\/p>
\n<\/blockquote>
\nEvery trip comes with fear; fear of falling, of walking alone, and of returning home too late or too tired to do much else. Each hour spent fetching water is an hour lost from childhood when Musyoka could be learning, playing, and resting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would spend my time reading, doing my homework, playing with friends, or herding our goats," he said.<\/p>\n

The lack of water not only dries the land, but it also drains time and energy from young students like Musyoka, who dream of brighter futures.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sometimes get to school late and feel very tired during class. It\u2019s hard to concentrate or do well in exams when I\u2019m not well rested or when my body is aching from carrying water. I also don\u2019t have enough time to revise or do homework because I\u2019m busy helping fetch water," Musyoka continued.<\/p>\n

Like many in Makulini, Musyoka has seen water shortages turn routine tasks into day-long struggles.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThere isn\u2019t enough water because many people fetch from the same place, and the water comes out slowly, especially when it hasn\u2019t rained. Sometimes I have to wait for [a] long [time] in line, and when I finally get home, I\u2019m too tired to do anything else. It makes me feel frustrated and sad because it takes up so much of my day," Musyoka said.<\/p>\n

Even through hardship, Musyoka\u2019s dreams remain strong. He speaks of his future with hope \u2014 a hope that clean, nearby water could help him reach it.<\/p>\n

\u201cA new waterpoint that is closer and safer would change a lot for me. I wouldn\u2019t have to walk for hours just to get water. It would save my energy and time, and I wouldn\u2019t be scared walking long distances alone. I\u2019d also feel better knowing the water is clean and that I won\u2019t get sick from drinking it," he said.<\/p>\n

And when asked about what he wants to become, his answer comes without hesitation: \u201cI want to become a doctor in the future. I know I have to study hard, and that\u2019s why I wish I had more time and energy to focus on school.\u201d<\/p>\n

Every day, when Musyoka is sent to fetch water, he feels the strain before the journey even begins.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I\u2019m sent to fetch water, I feel tired even before I start because I know it will take a long time and I won\u2019t have time to read or play. But I don\u2019t complain, because I know my family needs it, but it\u2019s really hard," Musyoka said.<\/p>\n

Musyoka\u2019s words remind us that access to safe, reliable water is more than a necessity \u2014 it\u2019s a chance for a child to learn, to rest, and to dream. In Makulini, that dream is within reach.<\/p>\n

<img class="wp-image size-full" src="https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/the-water-project\/image\/upload\/f_auto,w_1920\/Approved%20Uploads\/440104\/Kenya440103_Musyoka_M_1_sbopzr_pbq1qf.jpg" alt="" width="100%" \/><\/p>\n

Solving the water crisis in this community will require a multifaceted system that will work together to create a sustainable water source that will serve this community for years to come.<\/p>\n

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Note: Our proposed water point can only serve 300 people per day. We are working with the community to identify other water solutions that will ensure everyone has access to safe and reliable drinking water.<\/span>
\n<h3><strong>Steps Toward a Solution<\/strong><\/h3>
\nOur technical experts worked with the local community to identify the most effective solution to their water crisis. Together, they decided to construct a protected dug well and sand dam.<\/p>\n

<strong>Protected Dug Well Near A Sand Dam<\/strong>
\nOnce a sand dam is installed and has time to mature by gathering sand and silt, groundwater increases significantly in the entire area surrounding the project. This provides a reliable source of groundwater that wasn\u2019t possible before. As a result, wells can be constructed to take advantage of the water stored and filtered in the collected sand.<\/p>\n

<span style="font-weight: 400;">During the construction of the protected dug well, we will build a platform for the well and attach a hand pump. The community will gain a safe, enclosed water source capable of providing approximately five gallons of water per minute.<\/span><\/p>\n

This protected dug well will be connected to a <a href="https:\/\/thewaterproject.org\/community\/projects\/kenya\/sand-dam-wash-project-440103">sand dam<\/a> to obtain water.<\/p>\n

<strong>Community Education & Ownership<\/strong>
\nHygiene and sanitation training are integral to our water projects. Training is tailored to each community's specific needs and includes key topics such as proper water handling, improved hygiene practices, disease transmission prevention, and care of the new water point. Safe water and improved hygiene habits foster a healthier future for everyone in the community.<\/p>\n

Encouraged and supported by our team's guidance, the community elects a water user committee representative of its diverse members. This committee assumes responsibility for maintaining the water point, organizing community efforts, and gathering fees to ensure its upkeep.<\/p>\n", "short_description": "A new protected dug well for a community in Kenya.", "projectTypePic": "https:\/\/thewaterproject.org\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/noun-water-accessibility-2294974-150x150.png", "projectTypeName": "Protected Dug Well", "project_photo_url": "https:\/\/thewaterproject.org\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/project-440104-community-photo-1762264566.jpg", "washComponents": [ { "id": "7", "name": "Agricultural Assistance", "created": "2016-01-25 10:41:31", "modified": "2024-12-02 09:50:30", "permalink": "agricultural-assistance", "description": "\"\"\r\n\r\nAll sand dam and well projects in Southeastern Kenya include climate-smart agricultural training for self-help groups. Sand dams restore a water table robbed by climate change and allow for the construction of reliable dug wells. With new water available, the self-help group starts a community garden so members can use new farming techniques and implement them at their own home farms.", "pod_item_id": "7" } ], "programIllustration": "https:\/\/thewaterproject.org\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Southeastern-Kenya-WASH-Program-02-1024x768.png", "partnerName": "ASDF", "partnerSlug": "asdf", "programName": "Southeastern Kenya WaSH Program", "funding": { "grant_amt": 21509, "total_raised": 18302.18, "funds_needed": 3206.8199999999997, "funded_percent": 85.09 }, "gallery": [], "updates": [] } ], "statistics": { "total_planned": 253, "current_next_count": 76 }, "query_info": { "selection_criteria": "Active projects requiring least funding to complete", "parameters": { "uid": null, "num": 1, "projectid": null }, "timestamp": "2026-09-12T03:43:48+00:00", "statistics_debug": { "current_year": "2026", "next_year": 2027, "total_grant_count": 328, "funded_count": 75 } }, "project": { "id": 3948, "projectid": 440104, "project_name": "Makulini Community 2B", "countryName": "Kenya", "countrySlug": "kenya", "latitude": "-0.627516", "longitude": "38.046479", "served": 300, "project_url": "https:\/\/thewaterproject.org\/community\/projects\/kenya\/protected-dug-well-wash-project-440104", "completedDate": "2026-03-27", "slug": "protected-dug-well-wash-project-440104", "status": 0, "project_description": "

In the quiet hills of the Makulini Community, where 400 people live, twelve-year-old Musyoka carries more than a yellow jerrycan each day \u2014 he carries the weight of his family\u2019s need for water. Every morning, before the sun grows too hot, Musyoka begins his long journey across steep, rocky ground to reach the nearest <a href="https:\/\/thewaterproject.org\/community\/2024\/09\/25\/what-is-a-scoop-hole\/">scoop hole<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

"The implemented protected shallow wells and scoop holes are far from my home. The steep and rocky terrain also makes fetching water an uphill and challenging task," shared Musyoka.<\/p>\n

What takes him an hour each day isn\u2019t just the walking \u2014 it\u2019s the waiting, the climbing, and the exhaustion that follows. Still, Musyoka continues because his family depends on him.<\/p>\n

<img class="wp-image size-full" src="https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/the-water-project\/image\/upload\/f_auto,w_1920\/Approved%20Uploads\/440104\/Kenya440103_Musyoka_M_2_jqq5jz_gf2e67.jpg" alt="" width="100%" \/><\/p>\n

The path to water is long and difficult, but it\u2019s also unsafe.
\n<blockquote>
\n<p style="text-align: center;">\u201cI worry about safety because the path to the waterpoint is steep and rocky. Sometimes, I slip, especially when I\u2019m tired or when the sun is too hot. The place is far and lonely, and I get scared when I\u2019m walking alone early in the morning or the evening. The scoop hole water itself is not always clean, and I\u2019ve seen my siblings fall sick after drinking it," Musyoka lamented.<\/p>
\n<\/blockquote>
\nEvery trip comes with fear; fear of falling, of walking alone, and of returning home too late or too tired to do much else. Each hour spent fetching water is an hour lost from childhood when Musyoka could be learning, playing, and resting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would spend my time reading, doing my homework, playing with friends, or herding our goats," he said.<\/p>\n

The lack of water not only dries the land, but it also drains time and energy from young students like Musyoka, who dream of brighter futures.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sometimes get to school late and feel very tired during class. It\u2019s hard to concentrate or do well in exams when I\u2019m not well rested or when my body is aching from carrying water. I also don\u2019t have enough time to revise or do homework because I\u2019m busy helping fetch water," Musyoka continued.<\/p>\n

Like many in Makulini, Musyoka has seen water shortages turn routine tasks into day-long struggles.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThere isn\u2019t enough water because many people fetch from the same place, and the water comes out slowly, especially when it hasn\u2019t rained. Sometimes I have to wait for [a] long [time] in line, and when I finally get home, I\u2019m too tired to do anything else. It makes me feel frustrated and sad because it takes up so much of my day," Musyoka said.<\/p>\n

Even through hardship, Musyoka\u2019s dreams remain strong. He speaks of his future with hope \u2014 a hope that clean, nearby water could help him reach it.<\/p>\n

\u201cA new waterpoint that is closer and safer would change a lot for me. I wouldn\u2019t have to walk for hours just to get water. It would save my energy and time, and I wouldn\u2019t be scared walking long distances alone. I\u2019d also feel better knowing the water is clean and that I won\u2019t get sick from drinking it," he said.<\/p>\n

And when asked about what he wants to become, his answer comes without hesitation: \u201cI want to become a doctor in the future. I know I have to study hard, and that\u2019s why I wish I had more time and energy to focus on school.\u201d<\/p>\n

Every day, when Musyoka is sent to fetch water, he feels the strain before the journey even begins.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I\u2019m sent to fetch water, I feel tired even before I start because I know it will take a long time and I won\u2019t have time to read or play. But I don\u2019t complain, because I know my family needs it, but it\u2019s really hard," Musyoka said.<\/p>\n

Musyoka\u2019s words remind us that access to safe, reliable water is more than a necessity \u2014 it\u2019s a chance for a child to learn, to rest, and to dream. In Makulini, that dream is within reach.<\/p>\n

<img class="wp-image size-full" src="https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/the-water-project\/image\/upload\/f_auto,w_1920\/Approved%20Uploads\/440104\/Kenya440103_Musyoka_M_1_sbopzr_pbq1qf.jpg" alt="" width="100%" \/><\/p>\n

Solving the water crisis in this community will require a multifaceted system that will work together to create a sustainable water source that will serve this community for years to come.<\/p>\n

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Note: Our proposed water point can only serve 300 people per day. We are working with the community to identify other water solutions that will ensure everyone has access to safe and reliable drinking water.<\/span>
\n<h3><strong>Steps Toward a Solution<\/strong><\/h3>
\nOur technical experts worked with the local community to identify the most effective solution to their water crisis. Together, they decided to construct a protected dug well and sand dam.<\/p>\n

<strong>Protected Dug Well Near A Sand Dam<\/strong>
\nOnce a sand dam is installed and has time to mature by gathering sand and silt, groundwater increases significantly in the entire area surrounding the project. This provides a reliable source of groundwater that wasn\u2019t possible before. As a result, wells can be constructed to take advantage of the water stored and filtered in the collected sand.<\/p>\n

<span style="font-weight: 400;">During the construction of the protected dug well, we will build a platform for the well and attach a hand pump. The community will gain a safe, enclosed water source capable of providing approximately five gallons of water per minute.<\/span><\/p>\n

This protected dug well will be connected to a <a href="https:\/\/thewaterproject.org\/community\/projects\/kenya\/sand-dam-wash-project-440103">sand dam<\/a> to obtain water.<\/p>\n

<strong>Community Education & Ownership<\/strong>
\nHygiene and sanitation training are integral to our water projects. Training is tailored to each community's specific needs and includes key topics such as proper water handling, improved hygiene practices, disease transmission prevention, and care of the new water point. Safe water and improved hygiene habits foster a healthier future for everyone in the community.<\/p>\n

Encouraged and supported by our team's guidance, the community elects a water user committee representative of its diverse members. This committee assumes responsibility for maintaining the water point, organizing community efforts, and gathering fees to ensure its upkeep.<\/p>\n", "short_description": "A new protected dug well for a community in Kenya.", "projectTypePic": "https:\/\/thewaterproject.org\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/noun-water-accessibility-2294974-150x150.png", "projectTypeName": "Protected Dug Well", "project_photo_url": "https:\/\/thewaterproject.org\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/project-440104-community-photo-1762264566.jpg", "washComponents": [ { "id": "7", "name": "Agricultural Assistance", "created": "2016-01-25 10:41:31", "modified": "2024-12-02 09:50:30", "permalink": "agricultural-assistance", "description": "\"\"\r\n\r\nAll sand dam and well projects in Southeastern Kenya include climate-smart agricultural training for self-help groups. Sand dams restore a water table robbed by climate change and allow for the construction of reliable dug wells. With new water available, the self-help group starts a community garden so members can use new farming techniques and implement them at their own home farms.", "pod_item_id": "7" } ], "programIllustration": "https:\/\/thewaterproject.org\/community\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Southeastern-Kenya-WASH-Program-02-1024x768.png", "partnerName": "ASDF", "partnerSlug": "asdf", "programName": "Southeastern Kenya WaSH Program", "funding": { "grant_amt": 21509, "total_raised": 18302.18, "funds_needed": 3206.8199999999997, "funded_percent": 85.09 }, "gallery": [], "updates": [] } }