In the heart of Kenya’s Loitokitok region, nestled beneath the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, lies the Bondeni community—a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and community spirit. Faced with severe water scarcity and high operational costs, this community embarked on a transformative journey that provided them with clean water and set the stage for future growth.
Here’s how they did it and what we can learn from their remarkable story.
The Challenge
The Bondeni Community Water Project began in 2006, driven by the pressing need for a reliable water source. Initial efforts included laying pipes from Loitokitok town to Tanzania to capture pristine water from the Kilimanjaro catchment. However, disputes with neighbouring farmers led to the destruction of these pipes, forcing the community to seek alternative solutions.
With limited resources, the community initially resorted to buying water from vendors and harvesting rainwater, but these methods proved costly and insufficient. In response, they drilled a borehole in 2019, hoping to secure a stable water supply.
Financial struggles and innovative solutions
The borehole provided a crucial lifeline, but high operational costs continued to pose challenges. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the financial impact:
Annual cost breakdown
These ongoing costs strained the community’s resources and highlighted the need for a more sustainable solution.
Turning the tide
In April 2023, the Bondeni community discovered an innovative solution through Africa Instore Solutions (AIS), GIZ, and Solargen. Inspired by the success of solar technologies, they decided to solarize their borehole system. This move drastically reduced their operational costs and provided a more reliable and sustainable water supply.
Current savings
Contribution per Member |
Number of Members |
Total Monthly Contribution |
Total Annual Contribution |
Ksh 300 |
250 |
Ksh 75,000 |
Ksh 900,000 |
With these savings, the community is now able to fund new projects. They are using the funds to drill another borehole, ensuring that they can meet the growing needs of their residents.
Future project contributions
Contribution per Member |
Number of Members |
Total Contribution for Next Projects |
Ksh 10,000 |
250 |
Ksh 2,500,000 |
Overall financial summary
Description |
Amount |
Total Annual Savings |
Ksh 900,000 |
Funds for New Projects |
Ksh 2,500,000 |
Total Available Funds |
Ksh 3,400,000 |
The Takeaway
The Bondeni Community Water Project is more than just an infrastructure development; it’s a powerful example of how innovation and collective action can overcome adversity. By embracing solar technology and investing in their future, the Bondeni community has turned their water challenges into a success story that others can learn from.
Their journey highlights the importance of sustainable solutions and community-driven initiatives in creating lasting impact. As they continue to grow and evolve, the Bondeni community stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, proving that anything is possible with determination and the right support.