Clean water for 200 people per day in Kitui, Kenya

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for your valued support for Raising Futures Kenya’s clean water project to drill a 240m-deep borehole at our vocational training centre site in Kangweni, Kitui county.

The need for a safe, reliable water source for people in Kitui to drink and grow food remains vital and urgent, as climate shocks continue to hit Kenya with immense impacts on communities in arid and semi-arid areas, like Kitui. Earlier this year in April-May, after years of severe drought, came heavy rains and flash floods, devastating crops and livestock.

We are deeply concerned for families, especially children in Kitui, as warnings have been issued that food security will almost certainly deteriorate from October 2024 to January 2025 due to low rainfall and poor harvests in this period (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification).

Creating a permanent water source in Kitui is more vital than ever - without it, growing food and preventing hunger remains a losing battle. Drilling the borehole will provide a long term solution to ensure that 200 community members in Kitui can access clean drinking water, irrigate and grow crops, and reduce the burden on women and girls collecting water.

What’s more, the borehole will catalyse food growing projects,enabling us to create a demonstration farm to 1) deliver our agribusiness training for hundreds of community members in drought-resistant farming techniques and how to boost income, and 2) allow us to grow our own crops to support our free lunch programme for all 410 of our students each year, and generate income to support our programmes for self-reliance by selling surplus food. 

We are immensely grateful for the $1,478 that together you have generously donated so far. We’ve carried out the preliminary works and are working hard to raise the remaining funds to move this urgent project forward to drill the borehole within the next few months.

While we’re here, we wanted to make you aware of an incredible opportunity this #GivingTuesday, when GlobalGiving is boosting your donations to the nonprofits of your choice. For 24 hours on Dec 3rd (from midnight to 11:59pm EST) donations up to $1,800 will get matchedto DOUBLE the impact of your gift!

If you think a friend, family member or colleague would be interested in our work, and the opportunity to make their money go further on Dec 3rd, please do share this. As a grassroots organisation, every conversation counts!

Your ongoing support makes a world of difference towards transforming lives in Kitui and we greatly appreciate you!

Every best wish,

Mary and the Raising Futures Kenya team