Published in February 2025

In many communities in southeast Kenya, fetching water is considered primarily to be a responsibility of women and girls. This has significant implications for the lives of women, girls and their families, as we learned when we spoke with Martha and her daughter, Faith, from the Wendo Wa Waani community (whose sand dam is currently under construction).

Can you tell us your name and a bit about yourself?

My name is Martha Kimanthi, I am 37 years old and I have three children. My daughter, Faith, is 10 years old. I am a member of the Wendo Wa Waani self-help group (SHG) in Makueni county.

Why did you join the self-help group (SHG)?

I joined because of the chairman of the group, who explained to us why we needed to work towards ending water poverty in our own community. The message was so strong that I felt I had to answer the call.

How will Sand Dams Worldwide (SDW) and the Africa Sand Dam Foundation (ASDF) be supporting you?

They will be supporting us to construct a sand dam and shallow well, complete numerous trainings, and support us to achieve our dreams as a community.

What do you hope to achieve as a group and how do you hope your life will change?

I see a brighter future for myself and my family, as we hope to gain access to clean and safe water. By building a sand dam and implementing improved agricultural practices, we hope that our community will achieve water and food security, as well as become more resilient to climate change.

“I hope that when we get water in our community, we will never worry again about our current situation. We will have enough time to play and study.”

Faith Ndanu Kimanthi, member of the Wendo Wa Waani community, southeast Kenya.

What is your life like now? Can you describe a typical day?

My life right now is difficult. I have a lot to take care of as a mother, collecting water being the biggest daily task. I normally wake up at 6am to plan the day. I will prepare my children for school before loading my donkey with jerry cans and making the long trek to the water source. When I return home, I will prepare lunch and feed my livestock before washing clothes and utensils, though sometimes I have to neglect some activities because of having to collect water.

How long does it take you to collect water? What is the journey like?

On the way to the water source, I meet many other women and girls who are going there too. Around 90% of the community uses this source on a daily basis, even though it is mostly dirty water, so the road is always busy and dusty. The journey takes around four hours in total.

What is the impact of drinking this water on your health?

Myself and my children have been experiencing stomach issues from time to time. One time, my children had to go to hospital with stomach illnesses because of drinking dirty water, meaning that they had to miss school for a while.

Are you planning to develop your farming and farmland?

Yes, once we have water I will not have to continue depending on the rains in our area, which are often unreliable. We have not had good rains for quite some time, so my yields have not been so good. I look forward to being able to pull up my socks and work hard to get more good produce from my farm.

What crops and trees do you plan to grow?

I am planning to start farming vegetables for both eating in the household and for selling the surplus. I will plant oranges, neem tree, jacaranda and mangoes.

How much income do you hope to make and what will you spend it on?

I see myself making 10,000 Kenyan shillings (approx. £62) per month, which I will use to pay school fees for my children and use the rest at home for the upkeep of my family.

How do you feel when you think about building your sand dams and everything you hope to achieve?

"I feel very happy knowing that one day soon a sand dam will be constructed here at River Waani, which will bring life and restore our environment. When I think about this, I get even more motivated and excited."

Martha Kimanthi, member of the Wendo Wa Waani self-help group, southeast Kenya.

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Our current appeal: please donate what you can to help build a future without hunger with sand dams