Last year, we learned about the Orarait community in Kajiado South. Their water situation was disastrous. The only local water point was a nearby stream, which is infested with liver flukes. People and their livestock have had serious health issues because of these parasites. Women trekked six hours daily to fetch water. They strapped their babies to their chests and slung 5-gallon water jugs (weighing 45 pounds when full) on their backs, all while herding the few livestock they had left.
This was no way to live.
WILK Keeping Promises When Others Did Not
Last year, an incredible WILK donor committed to funding two borehole wells in 2026. With this support, we met with the Orarait community in early January to confirm their water needs. When we asked if they had people registered for their upcoming project (a requirement for all our community boreholes), they revealed that they hadn’t registered anyone yet. They didn’t believe we were serious. Other officials have come to them in the past, promised clean water, and never delivered. To them, we were just another empty promise.
When we told them we were serious and that drilling could happen as soon as the end of February, they perked up. They got the hint—we aren’t like everybody else. And we kept that promise.
Building Better Lives in Orarait with Clean Water
Before the end of February, we began drilling—even though it was the middle of the rainy season. On the way to Orarait, the heavy drilling rigs got stuck in the mud. Thankfully, the rain eased up and we were able to move the machines along.
Clouds loomed over the drilling team. After a couple delays, the drill finally started making progress. And then—we reached water! It gushed out of the ground, right as the skies opened up. We were blessed with water from all directions.
Test pumping began in March and showed a flow rate of 36,000 liters/hour. More importantly, the water was clean and tasty. Construction followed after the rainy season. We used high-quality materials and hired skilled workers to complete this part of the project. Before the end of May, pipes and the solar-powered water pump were installed.
In June, the surrounding infrastructure was constructed to support the borehole and make it functional. This includes a pump house, solar panels, water point, water tank, latrines, and other features built around the borehole. We also built strong concrete structures and an electric fence to elephant-proof it.
The Future is Bright in Orarait
In July, welcomed visitors from the US to celebrate the Orarait Borehole Opening Ceremony.
A new prosperous life awaits. There will be a day when kids no longer know there was a water problem in Orarait. Thanks to God and to you all for making a new future possible!
