Habitat for Humanity Kenya Commissions 3 Boreholes to End Water Woes in Masinga
Festus Mutua Habitat for Humanity Kenya, and Caroline Lackmier, Habitat for Humanity Germany, join learners, teachers, and community members to commission a new borehole at Kyuasini Primary School, Masinga.
Machakos County, Kenya: Habitat for Humanity Kenya has commissioned three boreholes in Masinga Sub-County, bringing relief to over 14,000 residents who have endured decades of water scarcity, poor sanitation, and limited livelihoods.
The new boreholes, at Kyuasini Primary School, Mukusu Secondary School, and Mukameni Primary School, mark a major milestone under the BMZ Machakos Integrated WASH and Livelihoods Project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The project combines water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions with climate-smart livelihood initiatives to strengthen community resilience.
The long-awaited moment following the striking of water at one of the project's borehole sites, marking a major step toward improved access to safe water for the community.
Juliana Mbithe, Headteacher at Kyuasini Comprehensive School, described the borehole as an answered prayer, noting that water shortages had disproportionately affected girls and women, who bore the burden of fetching water and struggled to manage hygiene at school. She said the project enable them to set a model farm to boost the school feeding programme and improve attendance.
For resident Rose Kavata Kakoi, who has carried water for more than 40 years, and thousands of others in Masinga, the borehole marks a long-awaited relief. “We would wake up early to search for water and return home exhausted,” she said, calling the commissioning a blessing for the community.
By working alongside communities, government, and development partners, Habitat for Humanity Kenya is helping build sustainable systems that improve health, strengthen local economies, and expand opportunities for families to thrive.