For families in Oloserian Mao, fetching water has long been a daily routine, often costly and time-consuming. Women and children carried much of the burden, spending hours on a task that left less time for school, household responsibilities, and productive work. The reality is beginning to change with a new community water project commissioned, giving households, a local school, and farmers access to a reliable source of clean water.
The project, supported by the EABL Foundation and implemented in partnership with Ja Gedo Innovations and Frisco Engineering, includes a borehole, a 24-cubic-metre elevated water tank, and a solar-powered water and irrigation system. Oloserian Mao Secondary School and surrounding households are among the immediate beneficiaries. The project's value is measured in the difference it can make to everyday life, with residents expressing happiness and relief at having water closer to home.
OloKurto resident Regina Nkoriompai said her community is very happy to have water, reducing the need to walk long distances or buy water that was not always safe. Her words capture a challenge that has shaped life in the community for years: water has affected household finances, health, and the time available to families. The project's impact is expected to be significant, improving health, education, and livelihoods.
Richard Kishoiyan, chairman of the community Water Management Committee, said residents had approached several organisations for help before the EABL Foundation supported the project. The community is grateful for the investment, which will improve their lives. Thirteen members of the local Water Management Committee have been trained to oversee the water system, promote responsible use, and safeguard the infrastructure.
The EABL Foundation stated that the investment forms part of its broader support for communities, focusing on initiatives that contribute to sustainable livelihoods and community wellbeing. Kenya Breweries Limited Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo said reliable water is essential for health, sanitation, education, and livelihoods, enabling communities to realise their full potential.
The project's solar-powered irrigation component is expected to increase food production and strengthen livelihoods, helping residents move beyond meeting their daily water needs. The community will benefit from improved health, education, and economic opportunities, with the project's impact extending beyond the immediate beneficiaries.
The new community water project is a significant development for Oloserian Mao, addressing a long-standing challenge and improving the lives of over 8,000 residents. The project's success will depend on the community's ability to manage and maintain the water system, ensuring a reliable source of clean water for years to come.
Key points
- Over 8,000 residents of Oloserian Mao community benefit from a new community water project.
- The project includes a borehole, a 24-cubic-metre elevated water tank, and a solar-powered water and irrigation system.
- The project's impact is expected to improve health, education, and livelihoods in the community.
