Convoy of Hope Helps Provide Life-Giving Water in Kenya
Water is life. But many people around the world don’t have access to clean drinking water. In fact, an estimated 800 million people worldwide lack an adequate water supply.
Convoy of Hope is passionate about getting water to those whose lives depend on it. Convoy’s work in Kenya is a prime example. Through a long-term relationship with Kenya National Director Bryan Burr, hundreds of thousands of Kenyans have better access to clean water.
“For many of the people we work with, water is not easily accessible,” said Bryan. “They walk long distances to fetch water daily, and this consumes large amounts of their time.”
Bryan is committed to being a part of the solution. They have lived and worked in Kenya since 1997, and their partnership with Convoy of Hope goes back nearly as long. They’ve been instrumental in helping Convoy drill boreholes, which are similar to wells, that can hold millions of gallons of water. Bryan and his team have two months to capitalize on rainfall: April and October. Collecting rainwater is key to survival for the rest of the year.
“Having water available helps them not only take care of basic needs, but also gives them time to engage in agriculture and other income generating initiatives,” Bryan said.
In addition to the boreholes, Convoy has worked with local, established churches to put up greenhouses in many communities. This helps show Kenyans that they don’t only have to be reliant on cattle for food and they can depend on other sustainable food sources.
“I feel safe saying it’s hundreds of thousands of people impacted,” Bryan said. “The wells we’ve been able to put in, greenhouses, and the dams to help store up water — they are changing lives. Many come to access that water.”
Many members of the Maasai tribe in Kenya rely solely on cattle for food. However, because of very little rainfall, they have to keep their herd sizes small. Thankfully, the quality of the herds’ health is improving through rain collection. Of course, the land is benefiting, too.
“There used to be no grass, no weeds even. And two and a half years later, the ground cover has increased significantly because of the water. Now it’s bushy!” Bryan said. “We are seeing the land restored.”
Like water, hope changes shape from time to time. Both are vital. For people affected by the water crisis in Kenya, hope comes in the form of a sustainable water source and is provided as a direct result of support from people like you.
Convoy of Hope will continue to provide help and hope to people in need. To join us in our mission, click here.