A vibrant atmosphere filled Kibera on Saturday, October 26th as residents gathered to celebrate a significant milestone. The Bucket Ministry, a high-impact Christian nonprofit, had reached an incredible milestone, distributing 81,777 water filters that have transformed the lives of 408,478 residents.
The air buzzed with excitement as laughter echoed through the area, people danced with their shoulders, a joyous expression of their newfound hope and community spirit.
The rhythmic swaying of shoulders became a symbol of unity, with neighbors embracing one another, sharing in the moment of celebration.
Children joined in the festivities too, their innocent laughter blending with the older generation’s jubilant, as everyone participated in this simple yet profound expression of gratitude and hope for a healthier future.
The Bucket Ministry, an initiative borne from a desire to bring clean drinking water to the underprivileged, began in 2018. its a project where residents are given buckets that connect with water filter, a Sawyer PointONE model, that is designed to last over 20 years, effectively removing harmful bacteria, parasites, and protozoa.
The team implementing the project comprises 98% local residents, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment among beneficiaries.
Collaborations with local churches and community leaders have been instrumental in the success of the program.
To ensure the sustainability of this project, the Bucket Ministry employs a unique system called Mission Mapping, initiated in 2019. This system allows monitoring the physical and spiritual health of filter recipients through home visits and engagement, ensuring that filters are properly maintained.
The Buckets have not only provided essential resources but have also opened avenues for spiritual outreach, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to sharing the Gospel alongside clean water access.
“Since using the filter, I no longer suffer from stomach problems,” Teresiah Mweke, one of the beneficiary of the filters, remarks, highlighting the tangible health benefits the project has brought to her life and her family.
“TBM is transforming life. Today we are talking of how the recipients in Kibera have benefited in receiving clean and safe water. When I joined the team, the first instruction was one was supposed to have a filter in the first month, in my case my wife before the filter was introduced to us, she had stomach issues but after the filter that was the end of the issue. “Antony Makunzi, a Coach TBM, says.
“Thank you to the people who brought us the filters! You made our lives better, and now we can be healthy and play without getting sick,” Grace, a 12-year-old beneficiary, remarks.
“A study conducted showed promising results, diarrhea cases in the area have decreased from 53% to 2.2%, alongside reduced instances of typhoid and cholera.” Victor Dihanda
Despite the significant progress, challenges remain. The insecurity in the area and the shipping expenses, coupled with the 15% resident turnover each week, complicates distribution efforts. Nonetheless, The Bucket Ministry is committed to expanding its reach, now eyeing areas like Kawangware and Mathare.
The founder, Christopher Beth’s journey began in Amazon Brazil, where a simple request for water led him to witness the struggles of locals who relied on contaminated river water. That moment was a wake-up call for Beth.
“The journey to Kibera began during a visit to Nandi, where he shared water filters with a resident. The resident’s positive experience prompted him to share the filters with the neighbors, leading to them requesting for filters . Encouraged by this impact, Beth decided to distribute more filters in Nandi and as I was driving them from Nandi they spotted Kibera which was characterized by poverty, overcrowding, sewages leaking, piles of garbage with no running water, they recognized the urgent need for clean water solutions,” Donald Rotich, friend of the bucket Ministry, disclosed.
“I commend The Bucket Ministry and all local leaders for their tireless efforts in bringing clean water to our community,” Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi says.
As The Bucket Ministry prepares for its next phase, the hope remains that every person in Kibera and beyond will have access to clean, safe drinking water. With partnerships and community engagement at the forefront, the initiative not only addresses immediate health concerns but also sows the seeds of hope and resilience, promising a brighter future for the residents of Kibera.
“Today, as we gather in Kibera, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. This event symbolizes not just the distribution of water filters, but the beginning of a brighter future for our community. We have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of clean water, and it fills my heart to see the smiles on the faces of the people,” Christopher Beth says.
