Unfortunately, our beautiful home in Maai Mahiu suffers from extreme water scarcity due to its semi-arid climate with low rainfall. This problem has only been exacerbated in recent years by increased settlement and population growth, with little to no local planning to address the issue by protecting, conserving, and managing water resources.
We have long searched for a solution as our sister Foundation struggled to access the water needed for its health and education programs. Thankfully, our research and planning paid off earlier this year when we identified a parcel of land with a sustainable groundwater source. Thanks to a grant from the Rees-Jones Foundation, we purchased the land and set to work piping the water to our campus. What a journey that has been!
With the land and water source being more than nine miles from our campus and in a different County, we had to navigate a seemingly never-ending amount of red tape before we could embark on the enormous logistical undertaking. Once we received approval, the real work began. We set up a solar power source to pump the water sustainably as 80 local laborers dug the deep trench to lay the water pipes. Progress was slow at 0.6 miles a month, but ultimately worth the wait. When the day finally came, and we turned on the pump, the whole Foundation team and students gathered in joyful celebration.
We are deeply grateful to the Rees-Jones Foundation for their support in bringing this project to fruition and to all the members of our Tribe who came together in the spirit of Ubuntu to make this truly transformative dream come true. Asante sana!
