Published in June 2025

We spoke to two members of the Mweleli Cluster Development self-help group (SHG) located in Makueni County, southeast Kenya. Both Annah and Jonathan share details on their lives before and after their sand dam project. They touch on their livelihoods, the lives of their children, their health, and their hopes for the future to give us a picture of how their lives continue to positively change. 

Can you tell us your names and a little bit about yourselves?

Annah: My name is Annah Munyao. I am 49 years old, a mother of two, and a farmer who is a member of Mweleli Cluster Development SHG, which I joined in 2020.

Jonathan: My name is Jonathan Nzoka. I am 56 years old, a father of four and carer of 3 grandchildren. I am also a farmer who joined the SHG in 2020.

Why did you decide to participate in the sand dam project?

Annah: I joined the SHG so that I could help in making a difference to water security in my area.

Jonathan: I joined because I could see the need to work towards water security in our community.

Can you tell us what life was like before the sand dam project?

Jonathan: Before, life was a real struggle. We woke up as early as 5am to make our way to Kalawa River to collect water, a journey which took 3 hours. Coming back, one would be too exhausted to take on other chores in the household.

What impact did the lack of water have on you and your family’s wellbeing?

Annah: We experienced serious waterborne illnesses such as malaria and cholera, especially my children, because the water source we used was open to contamination. We spent a lot of time at the hospital taking our children to get treated. Children also faced difficulties during the dry seasons when we needed their help with fetching water, which meant they would often miss classes at school.

Jonathan: Over the years we had many cases of malaria and cholera, which drastically affected many residents and even put them at risk of going to the hospital for further treatment.

How has your daily life changed since building the sand dam?

"We no longer struggle to fetch water as the sand dams we have built already provide water. Now it only takes me 20 minutes to fetch water from my nearest sand dam." 

Jonathan Nzoka, member of the Mweleli Cluster Development self-help group, southeast Kenya.

How do you plan to develop your farmland?

Annah: I am planning to plant vegetables and fruit trees. This season I was lucky enough to plant around 20 orange trees, and I will add more soon. I want to make income from this activity and provide meals for my family. We also received training in climate-smart agriculture through the project. With this knowledge, I plan on digging terraces, at least 400 meters each season, to increase the productivity of my farm.

Jonathan:  On my farm, I plan to grow sustainable crops that will do well in our local area, considering our rain patterns. I am also planning to have a garden near one of the three sand dams, which I will use to grow kale, spinach and bananas.

How much income do you hope to make from farming and how will you spend it?

"I plan to make roughly KSH 10,000 (around £57), which I will use for my household and to pay my children’s school fees."

Annah Munyao, member of the Mweleli Cluster Development self-help group, southeast Kenya.

Jonathan: I plan to make KSH 20,000 (around £115) that will be used to pay school fees and support my family.

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

Annah: We are taking charge of our future and working together to create something that will benefit not just us, but generations to come. I feel hopeful because this project is about more than just water; it brings opportunity. Now I imagine lush fields and thriving gardens and it fills me with excitement for what is possible.

Jonathan: Looking at the sand dams and thinking about all that we have achieved through our work, it makes my heart melt with happiness.

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