Women in quest for water, nurturing hope for a better future

Just like Elema, who used to have to walk 10 kilometers a day to carry water for her family and animals, millions of other women make the same journey daily, bringing water home in the hope of a better tomorrow.

For years, the nomadic pastoralists of Marsabit County in northern Kenya have struggled under the weight of the worst drought in four decades. Women walked for miles each day under a relentless sun, their backs bent under the burden of heavy water containers. Children fell sick from drinking contaminated water, while crops withered, and livestock died, leaving communities on the brink of despair. Yet, even amidst despair, the water-collecting women embodied resilience and hope, sustaining life in their communities.  

Change finally arrived for this vulnerable community when Medair, supported by Swiss Solidarity and other generous donors, launched an emergency response in December 2022. With a mission to restore health and dignity, the team brought clean water to the heart of these hard to reach places — a lifeline that rekindled hope in the hearts of women who had long carried the burden of survival.  

Bringing Safe Water Closer to Home

In remote villages once marked by thirst and hardship, water systems now stand tall, delivering life-saving water to 13,605 individuals. For women like Elema the new water points symbolize more than convenience; they are a source of renewed hope. Mothers no longer have to trek 10 kilometers or more for water.  

We met Elema, a widowed mother of five and a member of the nomadic pastoralist community, while she was fetching water for her children at one of the new water points, and she shared her relief:

"Before this water point was active, the water situation here was very bad. We had to walk 10 kilometres to the next water point and carry the heavy water containers back home on our backs. We moved a lot in search of water. Our animals also need water and the other water sources were not enough for us and the animals. We really suffered. This new water point is a great benefit. Now we have water close to our homes. We now have enough water for human and animal consumption, washing our clothes and cleaning. We no longer have to pay to get water elsewhere. We are more comfortable now."

Families have organised themselves and created lush kitchen gardens around the water point, where vibrant spinach, watermelons, and cabbages thrive. These gardens are a testament to the resilience and hope for women and men bring to their communities. Maalim, a member of the local Water User Committee trained by Medair, reflected while he was watering the vegetables in the kitchen garden:

"The kitchen gardens help us to have food and we also sell some vegetables to earn some money. The community used to have a lot of problems with water. The water was inadequate and far from our homes. We had to walk long distances and it was difficult to get the water. And we had no chance to cultivate. This place was empty. Medair brought in the water tanks, installed them, and connected them to a water system that brings water down a hill to us. We have benefited a lot from this project and the water point. We now have very good access to water. The animals also have easy access to the water. Without this water point, our survival was in question."

Health Transformed Through Clean Water

Before Medair's intervention, unsafe drinking water led to frequent outbreaks of diarrhoea and illness. Children were especially vulnerable. But with safe water flowing, the community's health has drastically improved.

Mother Elema shared:

"Drinking this clean water improves our health. There are no problems with diarrhoea. From dirty water we were always at risk to get diarrhoea and infections and all kinds of diseases for the family."

This project has empowered women to sustain life through crises by turning challenges into opportunities. The availability of clean water has enabled them to care for their families, nurture their communities, and rebuild livelihoods.

Empowering Communities for the Future

Medair's impact didn’t stop with safe water. As the project neared completion in January 2025, sustainability remained a priority. Water User Committees and Community Health Promoters were trained to continue the work. They’ve learned how to maintain the water systems, promote hygiene practices, and ensure the water points remain functional.

"The water user committee manages and protects the water points from vandalism, and ensures that the community uses them safely and cleanly,” shared Maalim. ”Medair trained us how to protect and maintain this water points. As a water user committee, we organise ourselves and discuss and coordinate with the community. Together, we save some money and all households that can contribute for future repairs."

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A Lasting Legacy of Compassion

The story of Marsabit is no longer one of drought and despair, but one of resilience, hope and transformation. Thousands now have access to safe drinking water, improved health, and a brighter future—all made possible through the kindness of our donors and the unwavering dedication of Medair’s team.  

Join Us in Transforming Lives

Though Medair's work in Marsabit has concluded, countless other communities still face the same struggles. Your support can extend this legacy of health and hope.

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This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.