Over 29,000 people benefit from water and enterprise development projects in Kenya

The initiative, known as the Enterprise Development for Rural Families project, aims to empower rural communities by building capacity in various value chains, helping them grow businesses and increase their incomes.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony of two new boreholes in Kathome village, Kangundo Sub-county, Darius Mutwiri, the Project Manager, explained that the project has been running since 2018. It has already yielded impressive results, especially in counties like Machakos and Makueni, where beneficiaries have seen their monthly incomes increase from Ksh 7,000 to Ksh 12,000—a 40% rise.

Mutwiri emphasized that access to water is crucial to supporting agricultural production and livestock farming, both of which are central to the livelihoods of many rural families.

Albert Wambugu, Hand in Hand Eastern Africa's CEO, was the chief guest of the handover ceremony. The event marked the completion of two borehole projects—one in Kathome village, Kangundo Sub-county, and another in Kitie village, Mwala Subcounty, both in Machakos County.

Wambugu highlighted the positive impact of the Water Users Association that had been established in these areas, creating local employment and ensuring long-term sustainability of the water projects.

Each of the water projects, which included the construction of boreholes, water towers, and storage tanks, cost approximately Ksh.4 million. Wambugu encouraged the local community to ensure the security and maintenance of these projects.

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with both the central and county governments to address resource gaps, as well as to provide training and, in some cases, financial support to residents.

Everlyn Ndunge Nzeki, the MCA for Kangundo East, expressed her gratitude for the project, noting that it would significantly improve the living standards of local residents by providing water for both farming and domestic use. She also urged the county government to assist in clearing blocked boreholes and encouraged residents to take responsibility for protecting these critical water resources.

Martin Kitavi, Chairman of the Kathome Water Project, called the new water infrastructure "timely" given the growing demand for water in the area. He praised the project for ensuring a reliable water supply for both homes and farms. Kitavi also encouraged other villages to embrace unity in pursuing similar community development initiatives.

Mercy Kivuva, a local beneficiary, shared how the project had improved her life. "We’ve received training in livestock rearing, business partnerships, and even growing and selling hay. The new water supply has also made it easier to maintain kitchen gardens at home," she said.

The borehole has saved residents time previously spent fetching water, and reduced the costs of buying water from distant sources.

Rachael Muithya, from the Kitie Water Project, spoke of the struggles the community once faced in accessing water. "We used to trek over 15 kilometers in search of water," she said. "Now, we are proud that a borehole is right in our village. This has allowed us to plant maize year-round, as well as grow trees and vegetables."

Veronica Ndunge, also from Kitie, echoed Muithya's sentiments, expressing happiness that the long journey to find water is now a thing of the past.

The Enterprise Development for Rural Families project continues to play a vital role in improving the livelihoods of rural Kenyans, providing not only essential water resources but also the tools and skills needed to build sustainable businesses and boost local economies.