A MAF flight helped Water Matters distribute 150 water filters to households in Kenya’s Loita Hills.
Story by Hillim Gitonga
A two-day initiative, supported by MAF flights, has brought clean water to families in Kenya and relief to the women who often face a long walk for fresh supplies.
Water Matters, worked with Red Tribe, flew with MAF pilot Christiaan Haak from the capital Nairobi to Enairebuk where they distributed 50 filters on the first day. Another 100 filters were distributed to Mausa and Enchorro Naibor the following day, with each community receiving 50.
This project will affect hundreds of people, reducing waterborne diseases and improving daily life for families.
Local women’s leader, Namurru Olonuku, helped organise the distribution.
"I was moved very much by this activity and view the impact it had on women in my village. I appreciate on behalf of the recipients for the filters and thank Water Matters for the buckets," she said.
Loita Hills' clean water need was highlighted by Moussa Sublocation assistant chief, Joseph Karkar.
"This is one of the most isolated villages, on the Tanzanian and Kajiado borders,” he said. “There is only one small stream for some 1,000 people, who use it together with wildlife and livestock. Women rise as early as 3 a.m. to fetch water, and during dry periods, it worsens. Children often fall sick due consumption of the dirty water."
The choice ensured equality across villages. Given the resources, people from other neighbouring communities were selected in order to keep everyone included. This was because many women hadn't yet had any help provided.
We are highly grateful because you are doing well to us. When the chiefs and the women leader received the message, she went around the village to summon the selected ones
Marcus Ahlander, co-founder of Water Matters Sweden, emphasised the importance of the partnership.
"Working with MAF has enabled us to reach remote villages in an efficient way. Last year, we provided clean water to 2,000 people in Marsabit, and we're doing the same here in Loita Hills. These are portable filters that use gravity, which is ideal for such an environment,” he said.
Brenda Lemein, an accountant at RedTribe, said: “I was privileged to join the Water Matters team in distributing the filters, and I’m so happy that the community can now prevent diseases caused by dirty water.
Women no longer have to walk long distances for water. Even if the water is dirty, they can now filter it to make it safe for drinking and cooking
The water filter remove 99.9% of bacteria and contain zero chemicals hence making them sustainable. They can be used for years if you take care of well.
For Alexandra Truedsson, a Swedish influencer and first-time visitor to Kenya, the experience was eye-opening.
“I chose Water Matters because their mission is truly for the people. Their goal is to ensure that everyone has access to clean water, and I’m grateful to be part of this initiative,” she said. "MAF enables Water Matters to access areas that would otherwise be out of reach. It's an essential collaboration."