Access to clean water is not just a basic need—it is the foundation of health, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods.
In Mashuru, Kajiado County, communities continue to face persistent water challenges driven by arid conditions, climate variability, and pressure on traditional water sources. The journey toward a sustainable solution began through Ustawi Global, under the Presidential Awards – Egerton University Chapter, whose early community engagement, needs assessment, and youth-led action laid the groundwork for what has now grown into a Rotary Global Grant WASH Project.
Building on this foundation, Rotary clubs across continents have come together to scale impact and ensure long-term sustainability.
This transformative initiative is a partnership between the Rotary Club of Westerville, Ohio (USA), the Rotary Club of Nairobi Parklands, and the Rotary Club of Ongata Rongai, united by a shared commitment to sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). (See similar projects)
From Youth Initiative to Global Grant Impact
What began as a grassroots, youth-driven intervention through Ustawi Global and the Presidential Awards at Egerton University has evolved into a global partnership—demonstrating the power of youth leadership, community ownership, and Rotary’s ability to amplify proven local solutions.
The initial work focused on understanding community needs, building trust, and co-creating solutions with residents of Mashuru. This strong local foundation now anchors the Global Grant’s design and implementation.
More Than Water Infrastructure
While the project will provide reliable access to clean and safe water, its true strength lies in what happens beyond construction. From the very beginning, the Mashuru community will be actively involved—not as beneficiaries, but as custodians.
Community members will be trained on:
- Water system management and maintenance
- Governance and accountability structures
- Hygiene and sanitation best practices
- Financial planning for long-term sustainability
This ensures that once the project is handed over, the community has the knowledge, skills, and confidence to sustain the water systems well into the future.
Supporting Pastoralist Livelihoods Through Environmental Action
Mashuru is a pastoralist community where water, land, and livestock are deeply interconnected. Understanding this way of life, the project integrates environmental conservation and livelihood resilience into the WASH model.
The community will be supported to plant fodder trees, helping to:
- Improve livestock nutrition
- Reduce degradation of grazing lands
- Strengthen soil and water conservation
- Enhance resilience to drought and climate shocks
By linking water access with environmental stewardship, the project supports both human wellbeing and pastoral livelihoods.
A True Global Partnership
This Global Grant reflects the best of Rotary: local insight, global solidarity, and sustainable action. The Rotary Club of Westerville provides international partnership and support, while the Rotary Clubs of Nairobi Parklands and Ongata Rongai contribute local leadership, cultural understanding, and long-standing community relationships.
Together with Ustawi Global and the Presidential Awards – Egerton University Chapter, this initiative showcases how youth innovation, community ownership, and Rotary partnership can come together to create lasting change. (Donate)
Looking Ahead
As implementation begins, this Global Grant stands as a testament to what is possible when ideas are nurtured from the grassroots and supported at scale.
In Mashuru, clean water will mean healthier families, stronger pastoral livelihoods, restored environments, and renewed hope. This project is not just about water—it is about dignity, resilience, and a future shaped by partnership.
Service Above Self. Unite for Good. (Become a Member)