Published in August 2025

We spoke to Susan Muli (pictured above) and Musya Mati from the Ukilyo wa Iveto Ndoo Women self-help group (SHG) in Kitui county, southeast Kenya. When we spoke to them, they had very recently constructed their sand dam and were in the early stages of reaping the benefits. Susan and Musya tell us more about what life was like before their sand dam and what their aspirations are since its completion.

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

Susan: My name is Susan Muli, I am 52 years old, and I have my mother, my child and two grandchildren who depend on me to support them through my work as a farmer.

Musya: I am Musya Mati, I am 61 years old, and I have two children. I earn a living through farming.

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

"I joined in 2019 so that I could join hands with the rest of my community in tackling water scarcity issues, agriculture and soil conservation."

Musya Mati, member of the the Ukilyo wa Iveto Ndoo Women self-help group in southeast Kenya.

Susan: I joined this group in 2020 with hopes of managing the water situation in our community.

Can you describe the water situation you speak of?

Susan: Getting water was a tedious ordeal because we had to get it from scoop holes in distant rivers. I would return home feeling exhausted. Most of the people in the community, including children, would also develop water-related sickness like typhoid, amoeba and dysentery after drinking contaminated water from scoop holes. Water scarcity also led to poor farming (crops failing), thus most of us would survive on one meal per day. This led to malnutrition and poor health.

Musya: Getting water before this project was difficult because the water at the scoop hole was insufficient. My children would get sick from drinking unclean water and treatment was expensive. I would walk for two and half hours to draw water. We are a resilient community, but even we struggled to survive the adverse situation.

Were there any other negative impacts that the lack of water had on your family’s life?

Susan: My children have to miss classes whenever they are sick. I would also return home feeling exhausted from the long journey to fetch water and be unable to fully focus on farming activities.

Musya: We would often get ringworm because of poor hygiene since we didn’t have enough water to wash ourselves, as well as the common illnesses mentioned before. During the weekends, holidays and after classes, my children would spend most of their time helping the family to get water. They did not have enough time to study, which contributed to poor academic scores. Meals would also be prepared late because my wife had to go and fetch water for cooking.

How do you foresee your life changing now and what changes have you seen already?

Susan: Already my farm looks good, thanks to training by the Africa Sand Dam Foundation (Sand Dams Worldwide's southeast Kenyan partner). I also have terraces. I am planning to add more standard terraces and more tree holes come dry season. I would love to plant cowpeas, pigeon peas, millet and sorghum.

Musya: I have been working on my farm and it looks great because I have terraced it. I have planted green yams. I am planning to plant more trees along the fence.

How much income will you make from farming and how will you use it?

"I expect to earn about KSH 30,000 (approximately £170) which I will use to take care of my family’s needs, such as paying school fees and purchasing school uniforms. I will also use some of the money to buy a goat."

Susan Muli, member of the Ukilyo wa Iveto Ndoo Women self-help group in southeast Kenya.

Musya: I expect to earn roughly KSH 60,000 (approximately £340) from the farm yield that I will use to purchase household goods and pay school fees for my children.

Having participated in this project, how do you feel towards it?

Susan: I am elated about this project because I know about its benefits. Very soon, we will be fetching water within a short distance, growing more crops and improving our hygiene. These sand dams will change our lives for the better.

Musya: Sand dams provide various perks for people living in dry areas like us, so I am pleased. They are a source of clean water, thus preventing exposure to water-related infections. People will not be going far to fetch water, but rather spending their time on the farm!

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