Join us in Helping Kenyans Bloom Through Love & Water!
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In Kenya, Maasai people say Enkare Enkishui
Our Mission
Water is Life Kenya is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to spark personal, economic, and community development in marginalized communities in Kenya, according to existing customs and culture. We do this by providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; empowering women; and equipping people to develop income through improved resource management.
Years in Operation
1
Clean Water Projects
1
People with Clean Water
1
Widows Supported
1
WILK Blog: Perspectives
Planning for Pasture: Helping Maasai Avoid Livestock Loss During Drought
Through our Livestock as a Business (LAB) and Hope for Widows programs, we've developed highly successful curricula and teaching methods specifically adapted for Maasai communities. Now we're expanding that focus to include pasture conservation, which will prepare Maasai to withstand the devastating effects of prolonged drought. Let's look at how…
Newark Rotary, Rotary District 7630 put “Service Above Self” for Lositeti, Kenya
For the last year, our Water is Life Kenya team has been putting the pieces together to bring clean water to Lositeti, Kenya. Hundreds of donors, including local Rotarians, have been a critical part of this project. Now, after months of hard work and persistence, we're almost ready to hand…
What Happens When the Rain Won’t Stop Falling
We went three years without rain in Kajiado County. Now, it seems like we're getting three years' worth of rain all at once. And, while we've wanted and needed this rain, current downpours have been too much to handle. A river within the Maasai Mara flooded tourist accommodations, and helicopters were…
WILK's Transformative Programs
WASH Projects
Mainly through deep borehole wells, we establish community water, sanitation, and hygiene systems, each benefitting hundreds of families and their livestock.
Hope for Widows Program
Maasai widows are incredibly marginalized. We empower them to lift themselves out of poverty by providing business training and giving grants of goats and cash.
Livestock as a Business Program
To keep the water on, communities need stable income. We train and finance Maasai livestock keeping groups so they can run better businesses.
Beaded Handicrafts Program
One way we help Kenyan women generate income is through our Beaded Handicrafts program. We buy directly from artisans and sell our products to U.S. supporters.
Our Method
Across each of our programs, our educational approach meets a few key criteria:
- Engage all the Senses. We encourage dynamic participation by bringing lessons to life and teaching important lessons in approachable ways.
- Respect the People. We respect the people, culture, and traditions of the Maasai while introducing new concepts for water, livestock, and business management.
- Raise up Women. In a male-dominated society, we empower women with the skills, confidence, and leadership needed to improve their lives.
Water is Just the Beginning
Watch the video below to see the Oleopolos Community Borehole, established in 2012. For over a decade, this life-changing project has provided clean, reliable water to the surrounding community, improving livelihoods and supporting sustainable development.